The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has approved an increase of up to 20% in prize money across all World Cup disciplines, as part of a package of decisions aimed at better recognizing athletes’ efforts and raising the profile of competitions. This measure, ratified at the most recent council meeting, provides that half of the increase will be funded by FIS, while the remainder will be left to the discretion of local organizing committees.
The council also moved forward on a key issue: sports safety. Starting in the 2025–26 season, new technical regulations will be implemented, particularly in alpine skiing and ski cross, to restrict the use of rigid shin guards inside boots. These decisions are based on medical studies conducted by the University of Innsbruck and are part of FIS’s systematic effort to reduce risks and improve competition conditions.
Financial improvements and regulations for safer competition
The increase in prize money directly responds to existing inequities among disciplines. While alpine skiing stars like Mikaela Shiffrin and Marco Odermatt earned over one million dollars during the 2023 season, snowboard and skicross competitors barely surpassed $100,000. The Kitzbühel resort in Austria remains the most lucrative venue, distributing more than one million dollars over a single weekend. “This is an important step, but just one on a long road,” acknowledged FIS President Johan Eliasch, emphasizing the goal of a fairer financial distribution in international skiing.
In parallel, FIS approved new equipment regulations focused on eliminating rigid shin guards inside ski boots. These components, which can alter the mechanical behavior of the boots and increase injury risk, may only be replaced by approved flexible protectors. According to Secretary General Michel Vion, this regulation seeks to prioritize health without compromising fairness: “We have scientific data confirming higher risk, so it is our duty to regulate.” Finally, the council confirmed future host cities for junior and para world championships, including Calgary, Madona, Finsterau, and Åre, ensuring the sport’s global expansion under updated standards.
