St. Moritz and Lillehammer compete to host inaugural FIS Games in 2028
The International Ski Federation (FIS) governing body has disclosed that it is considering applications from two renowned winter sports destinations, St. Moritz, Switzerland and Lillehammer, Norway, to host the inaugural FIS Games in 2028.
Earlier this year, FIS reached out to all national member federations, providing them with a bidding guide for this first of its kind event, which will encompass Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines. The FIS Games will span a 16-day period during the non-Olympic and non-World Championship season.
St. Moritz, already known for its winter sports excellence, previously hosted the FIS Alpine World Ski Championship in 2017. Going further back, the resort town was the Winter Olympics host in 1928 and 1948. It is also scheduled to welcome the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle, and Freeski World Championship in 2025.
Lillehammer boasts its own impressive winter sports pedigree, having hosted numerous FIS and multi-discipline events, including the Youth Olympic Games in 2016 and the Winter Olympic Games in 1994.
Both applicants have presented their candidacy concepts, outlining available venues and potential event programs. The FIS Evaluation Group will scrutinise these proposals and provide feedback to the candidates. Subsequently, the Evaluation Group will engage in discussions with the potential hosts to fine-tune the projects, which must be submitted by March 31, 2024.
The Evaluation Group will then recommend the most suitable host to the FIS Council, which will make the official announcement at the FIS Congress scheduled for June 4, 2024.
“We are thrilled with the strong interest to hold this first-time event. Both regions are well-known hosts of top-level FIS events and bring a wealth of experience and a rich heritage of snow sports,” FIS Secretary General Michel Vion enthused.
“They also have a wide array of facilities which meet the needs of the FIS Games to showcase the entire line-up of FIS disciplines and offer an exhilarating time for athletes and fans.”
FIS President Johan Eliasch emphasised the opportunity to stage an extraordinary event like the FIS Games.
“I have long believed that FIS is ideally positioned to hold a showcase event like the FIS Games as we have such an amazing variety of sports and disciplines to present to the world,” Eliasch said.
“For 16 days, our athletes will be the focal point of the sporting world. I can think of no better opportunity to promote skiing and snowboarding and lead the way on inclusivity, projecting an inspiring message about the positive impact that our sport can have.”
The FIS Games will encompass the six Olympic skiing disciplines while also featuring select non-Olympic disciplines such as Telemark, Speed Skiing, and Freeride. The final event program will depend on which candidate secures the hosting rights.
Originally, the inaugural FIS Games were planned to commence next year. However, the timeline has been adjusted, with the first edition now scheduled for 2028, offering more time to prepare for this showcase of winter sports excellence.
Image credit: Martin Rulsch
