Details

Geneva, 1 October 2026 – Closer cooperation with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), a new Organizer Agreement and the continued development of the Alpine Ski World Cup took centre stage on Thursday at Club5’s annual meeting, held during the FIS Autumn Meetings. FIS President Alexander Ospelt attended a crowded Plenary Meeting alongside representatives of nearly all 27 Club5 members.

Club5 President Rainer Senoner underlined the importance of the dialogue with the new FIS President. Ospelt described the World Cup organizers as key stakeholders of the international federation. “We must shape the changes within FIS together with the national associations and organizers. To achieve this, we need mutual trust and transparent cooperation,” Ospelt said.
FIS Race Directors Markus Waldner and Peter Gerdol reported on preparations for the upcoming season. The summer inspections have been completed and the race calendars are largely in place. The Alpine World Ski Championships in Crans-Montana will be the highlight, while some final work remains to be done in Narvik. The development of the World Cup product was another central topic. “We need to bring the fans closer to the athletes and the stars. Now it is time to go full throttle, because we do not have much time left,” Waldner explained.

“We must speak with one voice”
Senoner foreshadowed a fundamental revision of the regulations. Outdated provisions are to be removed, with new rules presented as a complete package for a vote in spring. “We are 27 organizers and must speak with one voice. Only then do we have a chance to bring about the necessary changes and improve our product,” the Club5 President stressed.
Discussions on the Organizer Agreement, the Inspection Agreement and prize money have also entered a decisive phase. Club5 underlined that any additional financial burden must be agreed jointly. A transitional solution for one season must not become a permanent one.

Two new Board members – four potential candidates for Club5
Ingrid Jacquemod from Val d’Isère and Peter Mall from St. Anton were unanimously appointed to the Club5 Board. Senoner had previously thanked outgoing Board member Jan Überall, who took over as the Ski Austria Secretary General since the beginning of September, for his commitment. Jacquemod and Mall join Senoner and the vice-presidents Ole Kristian Kirkerud and Thomas Rechberger in the Board.
Club5 membership could also grow: Tremblant, Killington, Vail/Beaver Creek and Chamonix have expressed an interest in joining. A decision will be taken in spring. If approved, Club5 would bring together 31 World Cup organizers.

Contact for the media:
Marta Covi
Club5 Secretariat & Media Coordinator
+39 3487357744
info@club5.com