Freeride Skiing and Snowboarding Recognized by FIS As Official Discipline

Freeride Skiing and Snowboarding was recognized as an official discipline by The International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) today at the FIS General Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland. The decision increases the likelihood of freeride becoming an Olympic sport.

In other skiing disciplines like alpine racing, FIS recognition and its associated framework allows nations and athletes to qualify for winter Olympic events based on the points earned at FIS-sanctioned competitions.

However, the recognition doesn’t guarantee freeride will appear in the Olympics. “All of these things are next steps,” said Freeride World Tour communication manager Marianna Dallabetta Armani. “This was such an important step to get to the Olympics… From here, we can just go further.”

"This is just the beginning," explained FWT CEO Nicolas Hale-Woods. "Our goal is to nurture the sport at all levels, from grassroots to elite competitions, and to see Freeride Skiing and Snowboarding represented in future Winter Olympic Games."

The FWT was acquired by the FIS in 2022. That news sparked controversy, with several professional skiers expressing their disdain on social media. They feared FIS involvement could make freeride skiing more rigid and rulebook-oriented, which clashes with what some perceive as the sport's core values. Similar arguments emerged when skateboarding, another sport that prizes individualism and creative expression, joined the Olympics.

Hale-Woods sees the FIS acquisition—and the recent FIS recognition—differently, though. "[The recognition] will elevate the sport and provide new opportunities for athletes worldwide," he said. "We are excited about the future prospects this brings to the freeride movement and beyond."

A press release from the FWT noted that "the recognition by FIS is expected to have a profound impact on the freeride community, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage and encouraging the next generation of freeriders to pursue their passion with greater support and resources."

Related: A Case for Skinny Skis: Killington Closing Day 2024

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