In his new job as CEO of the FIS, Urs Lehmann aims to further develop snow sports - and the world federation itself.
08.01.2026, 11:39
08.01.2026, 11:52
SDA
After his first 100 days as FIS CEO, the long-standing Swiss Ski President explains in an interview with the Keystone-SDA news agency what plans and visions he has for the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
After the once almost chronically unsuccessful Swiss Ski Federation, Lehmann also wants to revamp the FIS, which is stuck in outdated structures, "as quickly as possible". To this end, the 56-year-old from Aargau is working closely with Johan Eliasch. He was clearly defeated by the Swedish-British billionaire in the battle for the FIS presidency in 2021.
In the years that followed, the duo's relationship was not at its best before a rapprochement last winter and the announcement of Lehmann's surprising move from Swiss-Ski to the world federation in August 2025. "It was a successful start," says the former downhill world champion.
At the same time, he is aware that "exciting months lie ahead". Before the FIS Congress in Serbia in June, the management duo Eliasch/Lehmann must show the way to a modernized world federation - and receive the necessary support from the national federations and other stakeholders in the transformation process.
In addition to the association structures, Lehmann also sees a need for action in terms of safety in the Alpine sector. "The fact that we can't make progress fast enough on important topics is a challenge," says the man from Aargau.
If Lehmann, whose life has revolved around snow sports for almost four decades, has his way, the Alpine World Cup will be expanded in the coming years: "The goal for the women and men is around 45 to 50 races per season if there is no major event. In seasons with World Championships or Olympic Games, it would be slightly less. We have to get away from the idea that everyone should race every race."
Lehmann also envisages introducing a standardized global points system in the alpine sector. According to the FIS CEO, other sports such as tennis have such a "system that works worldwide and across all levels".
