Matteo Franzoso dreamed of Milan-Cortina. The 25-year-old skier had his sights set on an exceptional prospect: his first Olympic Games, and on home soil no less. A dream that will never come true, as he tragically lost his life in a fall during a training camp in Chile in mid-September. In April, a training session in Val d'Isère proved fatal for 18-year-old Frenchwoman Margot Simond, and in October 2024, 19-year-old Matilde Lorenzi never recovered from a fall in Val Senales. Three fatal accidents in the space of a year, which put the issue of safety back at the top of the priority list.
Airbags and smart restraints
The FIS has made airbags and cut-resistant trousers mandatory in downhill and Super-G events this season in the World Cup. Tests are underway to integrate an airbag system into the helmet. "This development is a crucial step for head protection" » Markus Waldner pointed out, race director of the men's Alpine Skiing World Cup, in April. Smart bindings are also being studied. "The goal is to develop bindings that use algorithms – similar to airbag technology – to detect when a skier is in a critical situation.", says Markus Waldner. These bindings would unlock before the athlete completely lost control, preventing them from sliding down the slope with skis still attached, which can lead to serious injuries. »
« Alpine skiing is, by definition, a high-risk sport, and that will never change. What needs to continue evolving is the safety culture surrounding it, at all levels, both in competition and training. Johan Eliasch, president of the FIS, stated this in October. Improving athlete safety is a shared responsibility between the FIS, national ski associations, athletes, coaches, and organizers. The FIS is committed to leading by example, setting the highest standards and promoting positive change in our sport. "A speech that doesn't completely convince those on the circuit."
The example of Formula 1
The experienced Alexis Pinturault, 34, a three-time Olympian who has been competing at the highest level for fifteen years, expressed his concern to RMC Sport. " We're seeing more and more injuries, whether in races or even in training. I don't know if there are more in terms of numbers, but some injuries are definitely more serious., confides the skier from CourchevelThe goal is always to improve performance and speed. The organizers and the FIS are trying to introduce terrain features because they want to create a bit of a spectacle. It's a whole system that needs to be rethought. »
He cites Formula 1 as an example. There were many deaths 30-40 years ago. Today, it's extremely rare. We all remember Romain Grosjean's accident; he walked away unscathed even though his car was completely burned out, and he only suffered a burn on his hand. That shows how much safety has improved. In our sport, that's not the case., he says. If we're going faster and faster, there are ways to slow us down, particularly related to our suits. It's a combination of things, I think, that we need to re-evaluate and discuss. The FIS is willing, but we need to move forward now because the sport continues to evolve and injuries continue to occur. »
Before the start of the season, the FIS launched an audit of approved downhill training courses worldwide. to ensure their compliance with the strictest safety requirements The conclusions are expected in May 2026. The FIS wants to make the use of protective equipment, such as airbags, mandatory during training and has established a working group tasked with submitting new proposals to strengthen alpine skiing safety standards. The goal is for these proposals to be approved for implementation during the 2026-2027 season. The FIS also intends to develop a stronger safety culture, particularly through an educational program. Results will be needed, and quickly.
