Freeride athletes and fans across the Sea to Sky and the world are no doubt thrilled to learn that their sport is now officially recognized by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).
The watershed moment took place on June 5, 2024 at the FIS General Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland. Members of Congress voted unanimously to bring freeride on board.
After the Freeride World Tour (FWT) acquisition by FIS in December 2022, this legitimization of freeride skiing and snowboarding represents a second major step towards inclusion in the Winter Olympic Games.
"This is an important day for the freeride community," said FWT founder and CEO Nicolas Hale-Woods in a press release. "The recognition of freeride skiing and snowboarding as an official discipline within FIS will elevate the sport and provide new opportunities for athletes worldwide. We are excited about the future prospects this brings to the freeride movement and beyond."
“FIS is the home of snow sports in all its forms, for everyone. It is only natural for us to fully embrace the excitement of a rising discipline like freeride. We are thrilled to have them as part of the family,” added FIS President Johan Eliasch.
Next, freeride will undergo a voting process within individual National Ski Associations worldwide. This step emphasizes localized development, ensuring that young athletes receive the necessary resources to excel.
The Freeride World Championships will also be included within the FIS framework, enabling a unified approach to competitions and athlete development.
"This is just the beginning," Hale-Woods continued. "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."
