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FIS Introduces New Equipment Rules for 2025–26 Alpine Season
FIS has implemented several new equipment regulations for alpine ski racing, with each rule applying to different levels of competition. These changes aim to improve athlete safety, and every FIS-licensed racer should understand what is now required.
Two of the changes—the new shin pad regulation and the rule mandating cut-resistant undergarments at higher-level events—are already in effect with the start of the 2025–26 season. A third rule, which will require airbag back protectors in certain speed events, goes into effect on October 15, 2025.
The updated shin pad rule applies to all alpine racers at all FIS levels, from regional-level skiers to World Cup athletes. The new cut-resistant undergarment rule applies to any racer competing in a Level 0 or Level 1 event, including the World Cup, World Championships, Olympics, Continental Cups, Junior World Championships, and World University Games. This means every Nor-Am Cup athlete must comply.
Meanwhile, the new airbag rule applies to speed events at Level 0 and some Level 1 competitions, including World Cup and Europa Cup downhills and super-Gs. Although airbags are not mandatory for Nor-Am Cup, South American Cup, Australia New Zealand Cup, Far East Cup, or Junior World Championship races, FIS strongly recommends their use at all FIS speed events, regardless of level.
Each of the rule summaries below outlines what’s allowed, what’s required, and how to stay compliant. Racers, coaches, and equipment technicians should review them carefully to ensure readiness for the season ahead.
New Rule Bans Rigid Shin Pads Inside Boots
FIS will also enforce a new rule limiting the type of shin padding allowed inside ski boots, beginning in the 2025–26 season. Athletes may no longer wear rigid shin pads under the tongue of the boot—a practice that has gained popularity at the highest levels.
To protect athletes dealing with medical issues, soft and flexible pads remain allowed but must meet strict guidelines. Approved padding must:
- Be made from soft materials such as gel or foam
- Remain flexible in all directions
- Avoid any preformed or curved shapes
- Stay within the height and width of the boot tongue
This regulation applies across all disciplines and levels. FIS introduced the rule to reduce the likelihood of unwanted—and sometimes uncontrollable—ski engagement, which is a leading cause of knee injuries. The rule is part of an evolving approach to safety that will continue to adapt as more data becomes available and as equipment and race surfaces change.
FIS Rule on Shin Pads — Click Image to Enlarge
Cut-Resistant Undergarments Now Required at Elite FIS Levels 0 and 1
Starting in the 2025–26 season, FIS will require cut-resistant undergarments at all Level 0 and Level 1 alpine races. These include the World Cup, World Cup Qualification, World Championships and level 1 competitions, Continental Cups, Europacup Qualification, Junior World Championships, and Universiade. The new rule aims to reduce the risk of leg lacerations during crashes—injuries often caused by sharp ski edges.
To meet the standard, athletes must wear pants rated three stars or higher under the FIS-DITF 2021 cut resistance protocol. The protective layer must extend from the iliac crest (the hip bone’s upper portion) to the ski boot’s top. FIS strongly recommends that racers at all levels and in all disciplines adopt this safety measure.
Undergarments must follow manufacturer guidelines, be worn without modifications, and remain flexible. Each approved product must display a non-removable conformity label on the back of the lower left leg. The label confirms the garment meets FIS specifications and indicates the certified star rating.
| Test Force Passed Newtons (N) | FIS Star Rating |
|---|---|
| 100 | * one star |
| 200 | ** two star |
| 300 | *** three star (minimum required for Level 0 and 1 competitions) |
| 400 | **** four star |
| 500 | ***** five star |
By setting a clear and enforceable standard, FIS aims to improve athlete protection while allowing room for innovation as materials and performance demands evolve.
FIS Rule on Cut-Resistant Undergarments — Click Image to Enlarge
Airbag Back Protectors Now Mandatory in Elite-Level FIS Speed Events
FIS will require airbag back protectors in alpine speed events at Level 0 and Europacups starting October 15, 2025. This includes World Cup, World Championships, and Continental Cup races—excluding the Nor-Am Cup, South American Cup, Australia New Zealand Cup, Far East Cup, and Junior World Championships, where airbags remain strongly recommended.
The new rule aims to improve athlete safety in high-speed disciplines by reducing the severity of impact injuries during crashes. Based on pre-programmed algorithms, the airbag system works as an electronically triggered inflatable cushion that activates only in the event of a crash. Racers must wear it underneath their competition suit.
Strict Technical Standards and Activation Requirements
To meet FIS standards, all airbag protectors must:
- Inflate in 200 milliseconds or less
- Stay inflated for at least 3 seconds
- Cover at minimum the shoulders, back, or chest
- Include an integrated back protector meeting European Standard EN1621:2
- Limit unintentional activation so the athlete can continue skiing
- Remain under 55mm in untriggered thickness
FIS also requires that airbags meet energy absorption benchmarks, using standardized impact testing. The protector must register a maximum average impact below 18 kN, and at least one test result below 6 kN, to ensure it reduces force transmission to the body.
Conformity Label and Manufacturer Responsibility
Each airbag protector must carry a non-removable conformity label that reads:
“Conforms to FIS Specifications AIRBAG 2024”
The manufacturer prints a label that measures at least 20x30mm and positions it centered on the back, 1 cm below the top edge. It must remain clearly visible and accessible before every race or official training run.
Manufacturers confirm that their products meet FIS technical specifications and accept full responsibility for the system’s function and safety. FIS will not allow athletes to start without a certified and active airbag protector in mandatory events.
FIS Rule on Airbag Back Protectors — Click Image to Enlarge
About the Author: Peter Lange
