(FESA/Sölden) – The Federation of European Ski & Snowboard Associations (FESA) took further significant steps in its structural and content-related development during its General Assembly on 24 October 2025 in Sölden. With the inclusion of Albania, the association now counts 19 national ski and snowboard federations. A total of 36 delegates from across Europe attended the meeting. 

“The European ski family continues to grow closer together, and the professionalisation of FESA initiated two years ago is beginning to bear fruit,” said FESA President Roswitha Stadlober. “With initiatives such as the FESA Alpine Speed Academy and the planned FESA European Championships in Ski Jumping, we are setting new impulses in ski sports development. We look forward to an open dialogue with FIS and are ready for close cooperation on equal terms.”

The central focus of the meeting was the report of the FESA Management Board for the 2024/25 season, which particularly highlighted the progress in youth development and structural improvements. FESA has expanded its organisational structure and strengthened the Management Team to handle the growing range of responsibilities more efficiently.

A key future project is the first Erasmus+ funding initiative, supporting European training programmes for young athletes. Another application to the European Union is planned for March 2026, aiming to expand the FESA Alpine Speed Academy and further strengthen speed disciplines for young athletes across Europe.

Guests at the assembly included Urs Lehmann, the new CEO of the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS). In his address, he outlined his vision for the future of FIS and emphasised the importance of a partnership-based collaboration with FESA. FESA, Lehmann noted, makes an important contribution to the development of alpine and Nordic youth sports in Europe.

Another forward-looking project is the FESA European Championships in Ski Jumping, which will create a continental platform for athletes. Under the leadership of Dr. Franz Steinle, Jakob Winkler (Secretary General), and Julia Huber (newly elected Chair of the Ski Jumping Commission), a working group will further develop the concept in close coordination with experts from the member federations.

In addition to confirming Julia Huber as the new Chair of the Ski Jumping Commission, Benjamin Prantner was also confirmed by the General Assembly as the new Chair of the Alpine Skiing Commission.

With the inclusion of Albania, new funding projects, and strengthened European networking, FESA consolidates its role as a central institution for the development of European skiing and snowboarding.