Skiing, airbag mandatory for speed disciplines

Mandatory airbag for those competing in the speed disciplines of alpine skiing starting from the 2024/25 season. This was decided by the FIS Council meeting today. And everyone in the skiing world remembered the appeal for the introduction of safety regulations for skiers launched by the family of Matilde Lorenzi, the very young Italian champion who died during training on the track. “For his funeral we don’t want flowers but we will raise funds and do a project involving universities and companies to increase safety for kids who ski.” The composed and profound words of the father of the young Piedmontese skier struck everyone. “What happened to Matilde must become a treasure,” said Adolfo Lorenzi.

“For the FIS, the safety of the athletes comes first and is non-negotiable,” says FIS Secretary General Michel Vion. “This has been at the top of our agenda and is why we set up the Athletes’ Health Unit in 2023, for example. The adoption of airbags is part of a broader approach involving all factors that can minimize the risk of serious injury – from understanding weather conditions and track layout to equipment such as cut-resistant underwear and smart bindings. We will embrace any measures proven to help protect the health and wellbeing of athletes.” , Vion added.

Only some exceptions exist

During the meeting, the Council also took note of progress reports submitted by all organizers of the FIS World Championships from 2025 to 2029 and approved a series of technical proposals submitted by committees and jury members for all upcoming events important. Council members agreed to schedule another meeting over the next few weeks. The National Ski Association may however grant exceptions if the airbag is not suitable for the athlete and limits his movements in an unsafe manner.