FIS Enters New Era as Liechtenstein's Alexander Ospelt Narrowly Wins Presidency Over Johan Eliasch

Liechtenstein's Alexander Ospelt is the new president of the International Ski Federation.



The FIS Council member, attorney at law, and former president of the Liechtenstein Ski Association won an election over incumbent Johan Eliasch, an outcome preceded by internal drama, lobbying, and jockeying, and by leading nations and athletes insisting upon change.



National ski associations made their voices heard, albeit by the slightest of margins. Ospelt won the election by a vote of 65-64 at the 57th FIS Congress in Belgrade, Serbia, on Thursday.



Ospelt was staunchly supported by influential skiing nations Austria, Canada, Germany, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.S. The seven NSAs issued a joint letter to fellow associations on May 5th, urging for Eliasch's ouster. They cited significant concerns over the depletion of FIS financial reserves, escalating operational costs and instability, and a lack of unity among members.



The 58-year-old Ospelt ran under the campaign motto "Building Bridges," representing an independent path forward.



"Dear friends, with great joy, but with humility, I want to thank you for your trust and accept your election as president – let's do this journey together," Ospelt said, addressing the FIS Congress, imediately after his victory.



"We are the worldwide representatives of our wonderful snow sports. I am aware of this responsibility. I will be the president for all of you. Let us do our job for the next generation. Let's be united for our sport."



Ospelt assumes the snowsports presidency immediately.

Eliasch, also an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, questioned the actions of his fellow IOC members, addressing the FIS Congress immediately after losing the election.



"We have achieved a lot together over these years and it will be a great shame to let that go to waste – it is really important that everybody comes together, works together, and aims higher," said Eliasch, who served as president of the FIS since June 2021.



"One point which I want to make and this is very important, we are an independent organization. And I did hear from many, that outside organizations, and I'll be straight to the point, the IOC tried to influence the outcome of today's vote. Against this, we must stay firm because we are an independent organization," Eliasch said, proceeding to congratulate Ospelt.



Adding to the turmoil swirling around the election, Eliasch, a dual Swedish-British citizen, was refused nomination by both the British and Swedish Ski Federations. As a result, he scurried to obtain a Georgian passport and was put forward by that country's federation, enabling him to run.

Ospelt's Vision for the Future

While Ospelt's victory was certainly championed by the larger ski nations, Ospelt made his background clear:"I come from a small skiing nation and act independently of the agendas of the larger federations or alliances formed to advance particular interests.



"My lifelong passion for winter sports and my extensive experience in international relations and in dialogue between differing interests will enable me to unite FIS and lead it towards greater prosperity. Only a united FIS can remain a credible representative of our sports' interests, both within and beyond the organisation. "



In his campaign, Ospelt voiced support for athletes' rights to use competition footage on social media, expanded branding opportunities on helmets, increased prize money, athlete safety initiatives, financial distributions to national ski associations. He also supported Eliasch's efforts to centralize media and marketing rights.

Fall-out Surrounding Eliasch

Eliasch assumed the snowsports federation's leading role in June 2021, succeeding longstanding president Gian-Franco Kasper. The billionaire sports businessman was the CEO of Head Sports, having established close relationships with ski racers through his equipment brand, prior to assuming the presidency. However, his popularity waned over his two terms in office.



Three presidential candidates – Dexter Paine (U.S.), Vicky Gosling (Great Britain), and Anna Harboe Falkenburg (Denmark) – withdrew over the week leading up to the election, certainly a calculated move to further unite leading nations with Ospelt and against Eliasch, ensuring more votes directed in the Liechtenstein candidate's direction.



Adding to the turmoil, FIS chief executive Urs Lehmann recently relinquished his position, less than a year after joining FIS in August 2025, after leading the Swiss-Ski. Speculation is that Lehmann abruptly over the organization's financial situation and the direction that Eliasch wanted to go. His future under Ospelt remains uncertain.

U.S. Star Skiers Call for Change

Leading U.S. athletes Mikaela Shiffrin and Alex Hall also expressed their grave concerns and wishes regarding the ski federation's future before the election result.



"Many athletes align with several key NSAs in feeling that there's been a significant lack of transparency from FIS and the current leadership," Shiffrin said.



"Certain promises have been made without follow-through. It's not to say that no progress has been made, but we haven't seen any significant changes based on much of what was promised, including intentions around prize money."



Hall, an Olympic gold and silver slopestyle medalist, added, "I would say most athletes in freestyle skiing believe that we need a change of pace from our international federation. I have been advocating for change over the past five years and can honestly say not much has changed."

Freeride World Tour Success and Olympic Future

Following a video report highlighting Eliasch's accomplishments and positive steps taken within the federation, the outgoing president noted that incorporating the Freeride World Tour under the FIS umbrella was one of his best decisions.



The inaugural FIS Freeride World Championships were contested in Ordino Arcalís, Andorra, in early February. Eliasch alluded to Freeride World Tour CEO Nicolas Hale-Woods that he could envision freeride events on the French Alps 2030 Olympic program.



"I see so much potential for this – keep up the good work, Nicolas, and you really deserve a big round of applause," Eliasch said, directly to him in Belgrade.



Questioned by POWDER, Ospelt addressed the excitement surrounding the new discipline; however, he noted that other Olympic priorities needed to be addressed first.



"Freeride is really cool – I think we have to attract the right sponsors. It is a totally challenging competition. It is a lot of fun and very attractive for spectators.



"But first, I have to fight for Nordic combined and snowboard alpine to stay in the Olympics, and if we realize that, then we can look at that (freeride)."

Related: More From Brian Pinelli

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 10:22 AM.