Looking towards the future of snow sports, the FIS has elected a new president. Photo: Asoggetti

OBERHOFEN, Switzerland. — It’s been only two weeks since British billionaire Johan Eliasch was voted in as president of the Federation International de Ski (FIS) and like a fresh coat of wax, he intends to start smooth but fast.

“I want to hit the ground running and accomplish as much as possible while we are still in the off-season,” said Eliasch in a statement. “We don’t have a moment to lose and I want to use the momentum from the election to kick start many new projects. With it being an Olympic season, we need to ensure we are well-positioned when Beijing 2022 begins.”

The Swedish-born businessman who holds dual citizenship found success as the chief executive of the tennis/ski sporting goods company Head.

Eliasch is only the fifth president in the FIS’s 97 years in operation, according to Reuters. Former president Gian-Franco Kasper stepped down after 23 years in the role. In the election, Swiss Ski Federation president and former alpine downhill world champion Urs Lehmann was runner-up.

FIS Facts & Figures

Formed: 1924 during the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix, France.
Headquarters: Oberhofen, Switzerland.
Annual Income: 47 million Swiss Francs
Responsible for: Recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the official governing body for disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard.
Member Nations: FIS is comprised of 135 member National Ski Associations.
Number of World Championships: 6 biannually (Alpine, Nordic, Freestyle Skiing/Snowboarding, Telemark, Grass Skiing, Speed Skiing)
Number of World Cups Events: Appoximately 330 annually
Total number of FIS sanctioned competitions: Over 7’000 annually
Number of licensed and active athletes: 30’764
Gender ratio licensed and active athletes: 63% Men, 37% Women
As well as competitive snow sports, FIS undertakes specific initiatives to promote snow activities, conserve the natural environment, fight against doping in sport and ensure Safeguarding of athletes in winter sports.
FIS campaign to boost the number of snow sports participants, Bring Children to the Snow, currently supports 1’056 Organisers in 53 countries and sees each year over 1’000 events and actions to bring children to snow sports.