FIS Freeride World Tour

History of FIS

FIS is the world's highest governing body for international winter sports and it is responsible for the Olympic disciplines of Alpine skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding. The FIS is also responsible for setting the international competition rules. The organization now has a membership of 132 national ski associations and is based in Oberhofen am Thunersee, Switzerland.

FIS was founded on the 18th of February in 1910 when 22 delegates from 10 countries joined together to form in the International Skiing Commission in Christiania (NOR) and served from 1910 to 1924. The group became formally known as the International Ski Federation on 2nd February 1924 during the first Olympic Winter Games in Chamonix, France with 14 member nations.

ABOUT FWT

FWT Management SA, based in Verbier-Switzerland, is organizing world-class sports events in mountain resorts and regions since 1996. Founder of “Verbier Xtreme”, iconic event in freeride skiing & snowboarding, FWT Management SA, has taken in 2008 this stand-alone event to create several Series of international freeride competitions totalling over 200 events around the globe for professional, amateur and junior riders and over 6,000 licensed riders. 

FWT Management SA is the organizer of the following Series: FIS Freeride World Tour (FWT), Challenger, Qualifier and Junior events taking place in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Oceania.

FIS x FWT Merger

In December 2022, the FWT announced that it is marking an historic moment by merging with the FIS, who is acquiring all FWT properties. The two organizations will join forces starting from the 2022-2023 season. By acquiring the FWT, FIS will further unite all disciplines in skiing and snowboarding, giving them more strength and power to develop on the global stage.

The FWT will continue to run the daily operations of the Tour, remaining committed to its core values of safety, performance, responsibility, inclusivity and fun. Moreover, the competition format, offering a fair path to every athlete, from grassroots to elite events, and the judging system, remain unchanged. FIS will place its focus on the marketing and governance of the FWT, instilling a structure that follows the guidelines of recognized Olympic sports.

Find out more about the FIS