“Together, let us embrace the challenges and explore new territories, open our minds and continue searching for the excellence, united in our shared love for ski mountaineering”
Lausanne, 29 December 2023
Dear Friends,
As the year draws to a close, I am reflecting on the remarkable journey we have undertaken within the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) in the last year. A year in which I had the privilege of being re-elected as President, and I committed myself to serve the organization. This reaffirms our shared commitment to advancing the sport and fostering a community that thrives on passion, inclusivity, and excellence, and will help our sport to grow and become more and more relevant within the sports and the Olympic Movement.
First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and the entire ISMF community for their unwavering support. Together, we have navigated challenges, embraced change, and collectively strengthened the foundation of ski mountaineering on a global scale.
Of course, I have never been alone in this journey: my colleagues of the ISMF Council, the staff that works devotedly for the organization, the referees, athletes, coaches, organisers, volunteers, sponsors and all the National Members that have worked with us this year. Our success is part of a collaborative effort, and you are all part of it.
In 2023, we have faced some structural changes within our organization that have reshaped the landscape of ISMF, a transformative journey that could not have been possible with the full support of everyone, and that will help us in the near future to achieve greater goals.
It is with immense pride and gratitude that we reflect upon the extraordinary journey that has defined the 2023 ski mountaineering season. This year has marked a record-breaking number of events that have engaged and inspired not only the athletes, but also more fans around the globe. We witnessed the rise of new world champions, whose exceptional skills and determination have left an indelible mark on the skimo landscape, showcasing the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our community.
Furthermore, our commitment to fostering the growth of ski mountaineering among the youth has borne fruit, with the successful incorporation of the Youth World Cup circuit last season. This initiative not only paves the way for the next generation of skimo stars but also underscores our unwavering dedication to inclusivity and accessibility within our beloved sport.
We have welcomed more National Members so that our extended family is bigger than ever, and we have started cooperating with the Olympic Movement on development projects.
Looking ahead to the coming year, I am filled with anticipation for the opportunities that lie before us. We will continue building upon the positive momentum generated this year, further solidifying our position as the leading force in ski mountaineering worldwide.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for the hard work and dedication of every individual involved in the ISMF Family. Together, let us embrace the challenges and explore new territories, open our minds and continue searching for the excellence, united in our shared love for ski mountaineering.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Warm regards,
Regula Meier, ISMF President
About the ISMF
Founded in 2007, the International Ski Mountaineering Federation ISMF is the global governing body for ski mountaineering competitions. Since 2016, the organization is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee IOC. Its main goals are the promotion, regulation and development of the ski mountaineering sport worldwide. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ISMF’s membership consists of 47 national mountaineering or ski sports federations in Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. The ISMF organizes ski mountaineering World Cups events and World Championships. For the first time, ski mountaineering has been a medal sport at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has recently been included in the programme of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
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