The International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) is bracing for a pivotal leadership vote as the campaign for the presidency officially begins. According to a report by PlanetSKI, incumbent Johan Eliasch is set to face four competitors in his bid for a third term, marking a significant moment of transition for the global governing body of snow sports.
Eliasch, a billionaire businessman formerly of the company HEAD, has served as president for five years. His tenure has been characterized by aggressive reforms, particularly the centralization of broadcast and marketing rights, which has drawn both praise and intense criticism from established national ski associations. While some stakeholders champion his vision as essential for the modernization of the sport, others have expressed concern over what they describe as an autocratic management style.
The upcoming election, scheduled for June 11, 2026, in Belgrade, Serbia, follows a period of friction within the organization. During his previous re-election, a group of 15 national associations—including major powers like Austria, Germany, and Switzerland—protested the voting process, eventually taking their grievances to the Court of Arbitration for Sport before later withdrawing the case.
Among the challengers is Victoria Gosling, OBE, the CEO of GB Snowsport. Gosling, who recently oversaw a highly successful Winter Olympic cycle for Team GB at Milan-Cortina, has been formally nominated by the board of GB Snowsport. In a statement reported by PlanetSKI, Gosling expressed her commitment to shaping the strategic direction of the federation, focusing on global growth and the continued support of athletes.
The full list of candidates confirmed for the ballot includes:
- Johan Eliasch (GEO)
- Anna Harboe Falkenberg (DEN)
- Victoria Gosling (GBR)
- Alexander Ospelt (LIE)
- Dexter Paine (USA)
A notable aspect of the current cycle is Eliasch’s nomination status. Despite his British-Swedish heritage, he is running under the Georgian flag, a move necessitated by FIS regulations requiring presidential candidates to hold a valid passport from the nominating federation. The final list of eligible candidates is expected to be ratified by the FIS Nomination and Remuneration Committee by May 20, 2026, marking the final stage before the assembly meets in Serbia.
