The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) announced today that it has acquired the Freeride World Tour (FWT) and that the two organizations will join forces already for the 2022-2023 season.
FIS is the governing body for international skiing and snowboarding, founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIS manages the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules.
By acquiring the FWT, FIS will further unite all the disciplines in skiing and snowboarding, giving them more strength and power to develop on the global stage.
"The merger with the FWT will see FIS add one of the most exciting, dynamic winter sports to its portfolio. This is truly a win-win for all parties as FIS can bring massive growth potential to the FWT providing the chance to develop on a broader stage. FWT brings a highly professional tour that offers breathtaking action and an entirely new element of skiing and snowboarding to FIS", said Johan Eliasch, FIS President.
FWT will continue to run the daily operations of the Tour. 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.
"We are thrilled to be joining forces with FIS. For our freeride athletes and event organizers, being under the umbrella of the largest winter sports International Federation, recognized by the International Olympic Committee, will give them more access to support, increased visibility and additional resources that will ultimately allow the FWT and all of its stakeholders to grow", said Nicolas Hale-Woods, FWT CEO.
FIS is the governing body for international skiing and snowboarding, founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIS manages the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules.
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 organizer of the following Series: Freeride World Tour (FWT), Challenger, Qualifier and Junior events taking place in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Oceania.
