Safety is a crucial issue for the International Ski Federation (FIS). death of young skier Margot Simond, 18, on the Val d'Isère slope last week was a sad reminder of the risks taken by athletes. To best protect skiers, airbags and cut-resistant pants will be mandatory in World Cup downhill and Super G events starting in the 2025-2026 season. “Since I joined FIS in 1997, significant progress has been made in safety in many areas, in equipment, route preparation and protocols race » underlines Markus Waldner, race director of the men's Alpine Skiing World Cup.
« The helmets have undergone extensive development to better absorb impacts while remaining lightweight and aerodynamic., he explains. The introduction of FIS approved helmets with specific safety certification has further improved protection. The next step in helmet development is the extension of the airbag system onto the helmet itselfThis project is still in the testing phase, but this development is a crucial step for head protection. »
To go further, the FIS is also working on smart bindings. "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. »
