FIS Games Announces 2028 Mega Snow Sports Event
The FIS Council Spring Meeting held in Zurich on Wednesday, 24th May, approved plans to move ahead with the FIS Games in 2028. The FIS Games will see multiple FIS disciplines being staged during a two-week period in the same region as a highlight event during the non-Olympic and non-World Championship season.
The FIS Games will be the greatest of all snow sport events; a landmark event bringing together all FIS Sports. Taking place over 16 days, the Games will represent the full range of snow sports talent from both Olympic and Non-Olympic sports – including, of course, Para snow sports. Alpine Ski, Freestyle, Freeski, Snowboard, Nordic Combined, Telemark,Speed Skiing, and Freeride, the world’s greatest athletes will showcase their talents in front of a global audience.
Taking place in a 4-year cycle, the mega event may be hosted by one region or by multiple hosts across a variety of locations – and even across borders. A grand opening ceremony will be followed by an outstanding programme and a closing ceremony at the highest standard. The goal is to create an exhilarating experience for spectators and athletes on site and an exciting and rich visitor’s event programme. For the wider world, an innovative and state-of-the-art TV viewing experience will have all fans at the edge of their seats.
As well as offering a world-class spectacle, the Games will lead the way on sustainability and inclusivity, projecting an inspiring message about the positive impact that major sporting events can have. To this end, the FIS Games shall take place at already existing facilities with sustainability and legacy at their core.
FIS has contacted all its member federations and presented a bidding guide with a timeline for the application process for all potential hosts.
"Hosting the inaugural FIS Games offers the chance to make history: shining a spotlight on your region; showcasing your nation, creating a legacy that will last for decades to come and inspiring the next generation of snow sports fans", said Johan Eliasch, FIS President.
"The FIS Games showcase the best our sport has to offer. Hosting the first edition is a truly unique opportunity to play an integral part to shape a one-of-a-kind event", added Michel Vion, FIS Secretary General.
After a letter of intent from interested hosts, FIS will offer hands-on support and expertise to help define and develop the project. The official application deadline on 1st November 2023 will be followed by an inspection group phase. The host of the first-ever FIS Games 2028 will be elected by the FIS Council in spring 2024.
In 2025, the World Championship gold will be fought for in Saalbach (Austria). The following year, the XXVth Olympic Winter Games will take place in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo (Italy). The next World Championships are scheduled for 2027 in Crans-Montana (Switzerland), and then, in five years' time, the "FIS Games" will be held for the first time.