Alpine Ski Race Directors Peter Gerdol and Markus Waldner look ahead

At the start of the new FIS World Cup campaign, we are publishing Q&As with the Race Directors of each discipline looking ahead to a season highlighted by the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.

The FIS Alpine Ski World Cup got underway in Sölden last month. Afterwards, Women’s World Cup Race Director Peter Gerdol and Men’s World Cup Race Director Markus Waldner spoke to Inside FIS about their hopes for the upcoming months.

The off-season was prolific in measures to enhance safety, with airbags and cut-resistant undergarments now mandatory and a regulation on external rigid shin protectors. What was the rationale behind these changes and how much of a priority has safety been for FIS in Alpine?

Gerdol: Safety has always been, and remains, the highest priority for FIS in Alpine Skiing. The measures introduced this season are the result of several years of discussion and development.

The airbag system, for example, was ready last year but only becomes mandatory this season in speed events at the World Cup and European Cup level. Similarly, cut-resistant undergarments have been in preparation for some time and, with most manufacturers now able to supply compliant products, their use has become compulsory. Some National Ski Associations (NSAs) have introduced it for national level events as well.

The regulation concerning shin protectors is part of a longer-term project, as it also impacts ski boot design (e.g. height). We are currently evaluating how to better define ski boots in terms of technical specifications, which will form the basis for the next step. From next year onward, we expect to implement more comprehensive rules regarding ski boots as part of our ongoing effort to enhance athletes’ safety.

Waldner: We’ve been working for many years to improve safety in Alpine Skiing but, perhaps in the past, the topic wasn’t addressed as openly as it is today. Everyone wants a safer sport and, with the number of crashes and injuries we’ve seen, our goal is to constantly find better solutions and equipment to reduce risks.

Airbags, for example, have been in development for a long time. Many athletes have already been using them in training and competition. Over the years, the system has evolved through thousands of data points collected from both training runs and races, helping to refine the algorithm so the airbag deploys at the right moment. Now that the product has reached a high level of reliability, it has become mandatory from this season onward - an important step forward. Of course, the technology will continue to evolve.

Regarding cut-resistant undergarments, we’ve seen more and more athletes suffer serious cuts after crashes, even though such injuries can be easily avoided. This measure is one of the simplest yet most effective steps in improving safety. A clear example was Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s accident in Wengen two years ago - he wasn’t wearing them, and the cut to his calf was severe.

As for rigid shin protectors, this is a more complex issue. The current equipment setup is extremely aggressive and that has led to several dangerous crashes. When skis catch the edge unexpectedly at high speed, it’s nearly impossible to recover. The aggressiveness of the setup involves many elements, and experts need more time to evaluate, propose new solutions, and collaborate with ski manufacturers on updated material regulations. But such changes can’t happen overnight - ski companies invest enormous amounts of time and money into their products, so any adjustment requires proper planning.

That said, removing external rigid shin protectors was an immediate and realistic step. Since they are not integral to the ski boots or skis but rather an added component, removing them helps reduce overall aggressiveness and improves safety.

These three steps are, we hope, just the beginning. Safety remains the top priority for FIS. Without healthy athletes, our sport cannot exist. It’s also vital that spectators at home feel inspired to ski - that kids can dream of becoming like their idols, and that parents feel confident encouraging them rather than fearing the dangers.

How much are you looking forward to going to Copper Mountain (USA) this season? 

Waldner: Very much. It’s important for us to have additional races in the United States. With the loss of the Lake Louise (CAN) speed weekend, we were missing a key event for the speed athletes at the beginning of the season. Since everyone is traveling to Beaver Creek, adding Copper Mountain to the calendar made perfect sense. Even more so as all teams are there for training anyway, and hosting an early-season Super-G and Giant Slalom race also helps balance the disciplines.

Gerdol: It’s an exciting new venue for us at the World Cup level, even though it’s a traditional training site for teams and has long hosted NorAm events. We’re going there this season as Killington takes a year off due to the renewal of its chairlift and snowmaking system. We’re confident the organizers will deliver great races during Thanksgiving week, with both men’s and women’s events on the program. It’s a lot of work, but we’re sure they’ll do an excellent job.

Peter, how satisfied are you with preparations for the Olympic Winter Games with Cortina d’Ampezzo hosting the women’s events? 

Gerdol: Preparations are still ongoing, but on the sporting side we are confident that everything will run smoothly. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a highlight on the World Cup tour every year. While there are still some logistical challenges - such as transport, access controls, and volunteer coordination - MiCo and Fondazione Cortina are fully engaged in resolving these issues, and I’m confident everything will be ready in time for the Games.

The same question to you, Markus, with Bormio hosting the men’s events?

Waldner: So far, things are progressing well. Of course, there are still several areas to finalize, and some projects that were announced - like a new chairlift - won’t happen. However, the work on the race slope has been significant: certain passages have been widened, snowmaking systems upgraded, new installations added, and safety nets improved.

The Stelvio slope is one of the most demanding on the circuit, especially in December when it’s dark and icy. For the Olympics, the races will take place in February, so the conditions will likely be a bit different. This could create opportunities for other athletes to perform well there.

There were some high-profile incidents in the speed races on the Stelvio last season. Are you satisfied with the measures taken to ensure safety for the racers at the Games?

Waldner: As mentioned, several improvements have been made to enhance safety, and we always hope that no major injuries occur during the Games.

The Team Combined makes its Olympic debut at Milano Cortina. How pleased were you with its debut at the Saalbach World Championships? 

Gerdol: The Team Combined was a great success at the 2025 Saalbach World Championships, and we were very pleased with the outcome. It confirmed our expectations that many top athletes would be interested in competing after the decision to replace the Alpine Combined with the Team Combined following Beijing 2022.

Both technical and speed specialists are always excited to battle for a medal, and we believe this format is the right fit for the Olympic Winter Games and the World Ski Championships.

Waldner: I think it’s a great format. What we saw at the Saalbach World Championships was very positive - athletes, fans, media, and broadcasters all enjoyed it. Bringing together top speed skiers and top technical skiers makes the event exciting and unpredictable.

It will be fascinating to see how each federation forms its duos and who will claim the first Olympic gold in this discipline. The athletes clearly had fun competing, and I believe everyone is motivated to secure a spot in this new event.

Are there any athletes or storylines you’re particularly looking forward to seeing this season? 

Gerdol: As a referee, I try to stay impartial, but there are a few storylines I’m excited to follow. For example, seeing athletes like Federica Brignone (ITA) and Petra Vlhová (SVK) handle their comebacks from injury in this Olympic year will be compelling. Another interesting aspect will be the decisions to be made by Ester Ledecká (CZE) regarding overlapping Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding events.

Also, as it is an Olympic season, several athletes will retire at the end of it and it will be fascinating to see how they finish their careers.

Waldner: Not one in particular, but it’s great to see Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR) back. He’s an important figure in our sport, and we’re all looking forward to watching him ski fast again.

Peter, 19 nations had points finishes in last season’s Women’s World Cup which is a bit down on previous seasons. Is that something you’re looking to increase, and how can you go about that? 

Gerdol: We’d certainly like to see more nations scoring points, as having broad participation is always positive. That said, it’s not our role to train athletes directly. Our focus is on preparing and delivering the best possible races, while colleagues on the Continental Cup level work to support other nations and help more athletes reach the World Cup, which in turn can increase the number of nations earning points in the rankings.

For you, Markus, a record 25 nations had points finishes in last season’s Men’s World Cup. Do you see that as something to build on, and how can that be achieved?

Waldner: In the past, only the larger federations had the resources to build strong teams as they could afford experienced coaches and top-level training environments, while smaller nations struggled. Now, more and more federations are able to invest in their athletes, providing better support and facilities. As a result, we’re seeing more competitors from different countries achieving World Cup points, which is great for the sport’s global growth.

Click here to read Nordic Combined Race Director Lasse Ottesen's thoughts ahead of the new season.