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Information Source: FIS-ski.com
The FIS Council announced that airbags will become mandatory this season for all athletes competing in Alpine speed events at the World Cup level. Meeting online on Friday, the Council confirmed that the rule will take effect in the 2024/25 season. However, each National Ski Association can grant exceptions if an airbag restricts an athlete’s movement, causing potential safety risks.
FIS Emphasizes Athlete Safety
“For FIS, athlete safety comes first and is non-negotiable,” said FIS Secretary General Michel Vion. “This has been at the top of our agenda, which is why we established the Athlete Health Unit in 2023.” This Athlete Health Unit (AHU) takes a comprehensive approach to safety, considering everything from course setup to advanced protective equipment.
Comprehensive Safety Measures
Vion also emphasized that airbags represent just one element of FIS’s larger safety framework to reduce injuries. “The adoption of airbags is part of a broader approach that involves all the factors that can minimize the risk of serious injuries,” he stated. FIS embraces all proven methods to protect athletes’ health in this broader approach.
Additional Council Actions
In addition to the airbag decision, the Council reviewed progress reports from the hosts of the upcoming FIS World Championships, scheduled between 2025 and 2029. Members approved technical proposals from various committees and selected Jury Members for these events. The Council will meet again in the coming weeks and will confirm the exact date soon.
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