The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has officially announced that two prominent candidates have applied to host the inaugural edition of the FIS Games in 2028. 

The fierce competition for the hosting of the FIS Games rights features St. Moritz/Engadine in Switzerland and Lillehammer/Hafjell in Norway as the confirmed contenders.

“We are thrilled with the strong interest to hold this first-time event,” stated FIS Secretary General Michel Vion in a press release, and added: 

“Both regions are well-known hosts of top-level FIS events and bring a wealth of experience and a rich heritage of snow sports. They also have a wide array of facilities which meets the needs of the FIS Games to showcase the entire line-up of FIS disciplines and offer an exhilarating time for athletes and fans.”

The FIS Games are poised to become a highlight on the winter sports calendar, with multiple FIS disciplines being staged over 16 days in the same region. This event is strategically positioned during the non-Olympic and non-World Championship seasons, offering a unique platform to showcase the full spectrum of FIS sports.

The primary aim of the FIS Games is to feature the six FIS Olympic disciplines while also providing the opportunity to highlight select non-Olympic disciplines such as Telemark, Speed Skiing, and Freeride, in addition to showcasing Para SnowSports competitions. The specific event program for the inaugural edition will be determined based on the individual bids submitted by the candidates.

FIS President Johan Eliasch expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “I have long believed that FIS is ideally positioned to hold a showcase event like the FIS Games as we have such an amazing variety of sports and disciplines to present to the world. For 16 days, our athletes will be the focal point of the sporting world – I can think of no better opportunity to promote skiing and snowboarding and lead the way on inclusivity, projecting an inspiring message about the positive impact that our sport can have.”

St. Moritz/Engadine in Switzerland boasts an impressive history of hosting winter sports events, including the FIS Alpine World Ski Championship in 2017. The region is gearing up to host the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle, and Freeski World Championship in 2025, further showcasing its commitment to winter sports.

Lillehammer in Norway, on the other hand, is known for its top winter destinations and has previously hosted major FIS events, including the Youth Olympic Games in 2016 and the Olympic Winter Games in 1994. The region’s experience with multi-discipline events adds to its appeal as a potential host for the FIS Games.

The following steps in the selection process involve the FIS Evaluation Group reviewing the candidates’ application concepts, including venue options and potential event programs. The Evaluation Group will provide feedback to the candidates and engage in a dialogue to finalize the project. The official proposals must be submitted by March 31, 2024.

The Evaluation Group will then recommend the most suitable host for the FIS Games 2028 to the FIS Council, which will make the final announcement at the FIS Congress on June 4, 2024. 

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