Athletes Entourage Commission
Audit Committee
Rules
Composition
Coaches Commission
Disciplinary Commission
The Disciplinary Commission is composed of members elected by the Plenary Assembly upon the recommendation of the ISMF Council. It ensures compliance with the Federation’s rules and ethical standards, addressing any disciplinary matters with fairness and independence. The Commission operates autonomously and upholds the highest professional and deontological principles.
Gender Equality and Inclusion Commission
Legal Safety Commission
Rules Commission
Commission
The Regulations Commission combines the ISMF technicians and the competent persons regarding ski mountaineering competitions. Everyone is a present actor of the ski mountaineering, who closely follow the evolution of the sporting events, competitions, examinations, races and equipment.
The aim to combine these personalities is to maintain the level of ski mountaineering in competition as high as possible.
Sustainability Commission
If you are supporting the pathway to Milano Cortina 2026—whether through team management, athlete preparation, or technical coordination—this webinar is for you.
Matteo Vallini, ITA Head of International Federations and Major Events, and Damien Clivaz, ITA Senior Legal Counsel, will join the session to present and address your questions on:
- The Milano Cortina 2026 Anti-Doping Rules
- Doping Control
- Therapeutic Use Exemptions
- Results management in the case of a positive test
The goal is to provide the information needed to clearly understand the applicable rules and operational responsibilities, ensuring full focus on supporting athletes in the best possible way during Milano Cortina 2026.
Time will be reserved at the end of the session for live questions. If you wish to submit questions in advance, please write them in the box included in the registration link.
Registration link
Event date:
10 December, 14:00 – 15:00 CET
Panellists:
Matteo Vallini, ITA Head of International Federations and Major Events
Damien Clivaz, ITA Managing Senior Legal Counsel
Moderator:
Mairi Irvine, ITA Education Team
As usual, the webinar will be delivered in English with simultaneous translation to four additional languages: Arabic, Spanish, French and Russian.
The ISMF kindly recommends a large partecipation of delegates form National Members, coaches, athletes and support personnel, and a widespread dissemination of this communication.
Thank you in advance for joining us!
The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) has announced a landmark partnership with Azerbaijan Tourism Board, which becomes once of the federation’s Main Partner. This collaboration underscores ISMF’s commitment to expanding the global reach of ski mountaineering while highlighting Azerbaijan’s growing role as a premier winter tourism destination.
Azerbaijan Tourism Board will work closely with ISMF to promote the sport worldwide, leveraging Azerbaijan’s unique landscapes and hospitality to create new opportunities for athletes, fans, and the broader sports community. The partnership builds on Azerbaijan’s proven track record of hosting ISMF events, including a World Cup and an ISMF series, and looks ahead to the upcoming European Championship this season and the 2027 World Championship.
Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“By partnering with ISMF, we aim to share the unique story of Azerbaijan’s winter tourism and strengthen our connection with the global sports community as we develop new opportunities for athletes and enthusiasts alike.”
Regula Meier, ISMF President welcomed the partnership, noting its importance for the federation’s future:
“We are delighted to welcome Azerbaijan Tourism as the ISMF’s Main Partner. This partnership means a lot for ISMF. Partnering with a travel destination that has already hosted an ISMF series and a World Cup, and will host a European Championship this season and the 2027 World Championship, is very meaningful. Together, we aim to expand the sport worldwide, share the values of ski mountaineering, and learn from them how to improve hospitality within our organization. As we move towards the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering at Milano Cortina 2026 and expand our World Cup and Championship circuits, the support of partners like Azerbaijan Tourism will be fundamental.”
The partnership reflects a shared vision: to elevate ski mountaineering’s profile on the international stage while showcasing Azerbaijan’s distinctive winter tourism offerings. With the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering at Milano Cortina 2026 on the horizon, ISMF and Azerbaijan Tourism are poised to inspire athletes and enthusiasts worldwide, strengthening the sport’s global community and advancing its professionalisation.
The ISMF Referee Forum returned to Cervinia from 13 to 16 November 2025, bringing together the full international officiating community for three days of alignment, training, and preparation ahead of the 2025/26 season. Hosted at the foot of the Matterhorn, the gathering offered a focused environment for technical development, operational discussions, and on-snow practice.
The Referee Forum began on Thursday with a dedicated session for International Technical Officials and selected National Technical Officials appointed for Milano Cortina 2026. Participants established a common understanding of Olympic-specific officiating structures, clarified roles and reporting lines, reviewed Rule 50 compliance expectations, and prepared for operational scenarios and simulations. They also analysed photos and videos of the new Olympic course, gaining practical insight into its layout and key challenges. This session laid the foundation for effective coordination during the Games.
The full Referee Forum officially opened on Friday, welcoming referees, Technical Delegates, Jury Presidents, International Technical Officials, and members of the ISMF Sport Department. The day focused on debriefing the 2024/25 season, strategic updates, and a detailed review of the ISMF Rules & Guidelines for 2025/26, including penalty application. The Forum also introduced two new Sport Department members: Monika Strojny, Development & Event Coordinator, and Shiva Keshavan, Head of Sport & Events, who met the referee cohort and participated in the discussions.
On Saturday, referees moved onto the snow for practical workshops, analysing race elements and refining in-field decision-making. The morning session focused on officiating simulations reflecting sprint and relay conditions, while the afternoon featured an extended discussion on penalty attribution, supported by photo and video analysis, and clarified penalty communication procedures. These exercises ensured consistent approaches across upcoming World Cup and Championship events.
The final day returned indoors for a structured review of the simulations and an in-depth focus on the use of VAR. Case studies, incident assessments, and group reflections helped reinforce common standards and decision-making frameworks. The Referee Forum closed with collective commitments for the season ahead, highlighting a shared drive to maintain high officiating quality throughout the ISMF calendar.
With unified objectives and renewed alignment, the 2025 Referee Forum marked an important step in strengthening the professionalism and consistency of ISMF officiating worldwide.
Department: Marketing & Communications
Reports to: ISMF Marketing and Communication Manager
Start Date: Immediately
Contract Type: Freelance / Project Agreement
Location: Europe-based (approx. 60% travel)
Overview
The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) – the global governing body for ski mountaineering, recognised by the International Olympic Committee – is seeking a passionate and creative In-House Content Creator to join its Marketing & Communications team for the 2025/26 season.
This position is ideal for a dynamic visual storyteller who can bring to life the excitement, community, and human side of ski mountaineering – both on the slopes and behind the scenes.
About the Role
Reporting to the ISMF Marketing & Communications Manager, the In-House Content Creator will play a central role in shaping how ski mountaineering is presented to audiences worldwide. The position strengthens ISMF’s storytelling and digital output across all platforms, combining creative production, on-site event coverage, and day-to-day content and digital channel management.
Working closely with ISMF’s digital agency, marketing team, and event organisers, the Content Creator will deliver impactful visual and editorial content that enhances visibility, celebrates athletes, and supports the ISMF’s partnerships and media objectives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Content Production & Storytelling: Plan, film, and edit high-quality visual content from ISMF events, athlete features, training camps, and ambassador activities; create engaging stories that bring the sport’s community and values to life.
- Event Coverage: Attend ISMF World Cup, Youth World Cup, and Championship events to capture and publish live photo and video content, behind-the-scenes features, and daily highlights.
- Digital & Social Media Management: Produce and adapt content for ISMF’s digital channels (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Strava, and Rednote), ensuring consistent tone, brand alignment, and timely posting in coordination with the ISMF Digital Agency.
- Editorial & Media Support: Draft short news items and press releases, support the preparation of media kits, and contribute to the federation’s communication with partners, athletes, and media.
- Partnership Activation: Collaborate with commercial partners and ambassadors to deliver sponsored content, campaign assets, and event visibility materials.
- Coordination & Planning: Contribute to the seasonal digital content calendar and coordinate publication schedules to ensure a consistent and professional presence across all ISMF platforms.
This is a hands-on, creative, and highly mobile role — ideal for a filmmaker or digital content professional passionate about sport, storytelling, and the outdoors.
Profile
The ideal candidate will bring a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and sporting passion, demonstrated through the following qualifications and experience:
Qualifications & Experience
- Proven track record in video production, filming, and editing, ideally within sport, outdoor, or event contexts.
- Proficiency with Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or equivalent editing software; familiarity with After Effects, Lightroom, and Photoshop for motion graphics and colour grading.
- Experience managing complete content workflows — from concept to delivery — across multiple digital and social platforms.
- Understanding of social media algorithms, engagement strategies, and analytics to maximise audience reach and interaction.
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Film Production, Media Studies, Communications, or related field.
- Previous experience creating content for international audiences and working in event-based environments is an advantage.
Personal Attributes
- Medium-level ski mountaineering ability, enabling safe and effective filming in alpine or backcountry environments.
- Creative, adaptable, and self-motivated, thriving under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Team-oriented while capable of leading or managing independent projects with initiative.
- Deep passion for outdoor sports and adventure, with practical experience in ski mountaineering and endurance disciplines.
- Excellent communicator, with an international mindset and cultural awareness.
- Flexible and mobile, open to extensive travel and field-based assignments in remote or alpine terrain.
- Europe-based, fluent in English (spoken and written).
Contract & Conditions
- Freelance / fixed term project-based engagement for the 2025/26 season (100% workload equivalent).
- Compensation aligned with experience and location.
- Extensive travel to ISMF World Cup, Youth World Cup, and Championship events
- Fluent English (spoken and written); other languages an asset.
How to Apply
Interested candidates shall send the following to jobs@ismf-ski.org with the subject line “Application – In-House Content Creator” by 15 November 2025:
- A 1-minute video demonstrating your filming and storytelling skills.
- Your CV and/or portfolio showcasing relevant work.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and will receive the full job description.
For a better use and treatment of the information it is recommended to attach the CV in PDF format.
Please consider that the personal data provided in your CV is confidential and will be processed by the ISMF solely for the purpose of handling your job application and assessing suitability for the in-house content creator. This data will be kept until our open role is filled. We cannot estimate the exact time period, but we will consider this period over when a candidate accepts our job offer for this position. When that period is over, we will either delete your data or inform you that we will keep it in our database for future roles. The legal basis for the processing of this data is the consent you provide us when you submit your application. However, at any time, if you wish, you can contact us through the addresses provided below to exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion, opposition, limitation of processing and portability of data, in accordance with the terms provided in the rules of protection of personal data. You can do this by writing to our administrative office in Italy (Via Sant’Agostino, 16, Mondovì, Italy) or by sending an email to the address: privacy@ismf-ski.org. For more information you can consult our Privacy Policy at: http://www.ismf-ski.org/webpages/privacy-policy/.
Lausanne, 5 November 2025 – Jointly with the Local Organising Committee, the ISMF is pleased to confirm the race event to be held in Solitude, Utah, on 6 and 7 December 2025.
The programme of the event is available on the event website (please note that the event programme may be subject to minor changes in the coming weeks).
Technical information:
Registration:
The registration process for the ISMF World Cup in Solitude will be open from tomorrow, 6 November 2025, until Tuesday 2 December 2025 at h. 11:59 PM CET. After that date, registrations will be no longer possible.
The ISMF kindly reminds that, as per ISMF Rules & Guidelines, late registration will not be possible.
You can register your athletes through the ISMF intranet by clicking on the “Registration” button in the top menu bar.
Before registering in any ISMF World Cup or Championships, athletes must have their own valid ISMF licence. You can check the current valid licences on the ISMF intranet.
In case of any issue in the registration process do not hesitate to contact the ISMF Office at valeria.ponzo@ismf-ski.org – +39 334 7022775.
Information regarding registration for Mixed Relay race:
National Members should register athletes according to the number of teams required. This registration is done without indicating the composition of the teams but only listing the concerned athletes.
The final composition of the teams for the Mixed Relay race should be communicated on the WhatsApp group named “Solitude WC 2025 – National Teams” (to be created soon) no later than Thursday 4 December 2025 at 6:00 PM CET (10:00 AM Solitude local time). On that occasion, substitutions (i.e., a registered athlete replaced by a non-registered athlete) will be accepted, while extra/additional teams will not be allowed. After the deadline mentioned above, no further changes will be possible.
Accommodation & meals:
Information about accommodation is available here.
Please note that the booking for meals will close today. To make the process easier for you, you can use this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXVX1wUXo3qxJ1H0gZrclTSfNRkXN85N_TNR4yaHG-l67vTQ/viewform?usp=preview. This way, the LOC will send you an invoice that you can pay via bank transfer, instead of using a credit card payment as required by the online option.
We kindly ask you to proceed with the meal booking as soon as possible.
ESTA & VISA:
Please find here a document with the general Visa guidance.
Many national teams will likely be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Eligible travelers can travel on an ESTA instead of a visa. The ESTA is an online application and usually takes 1-3 weeks for approval.
In the event that your national team is not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and has to apply for a real Visa, this will result in longer timeframes (60 to 90 days if there are no problems in the application process).
Use of radios:
No license is required for radios operating under the FRS mode in the US bands: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/family-radio-service-frs.
A license is required for radios operating under the GMRS mode in the US: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs.
Information for media:
Please refer to the following webpage:
Lausanne, Switzerland – 29 October 2025
ISMF participated in the 2025 IF Forum in Lausanne (27–29 October), joining leaders from across the Olympic Movement to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration ahead of a new phase for international sport.
Organised by SportAccord, the IF Forum is an annual, invitation-only gathering of International Federations and Olympic stakeholders, held at the Olympic Museum. This year’s theme, “The New Global Reality in Sport,” explored how federations can remain agile and relevant amid rapid change.
ISMF President Regula Meier, General Secretary Jordi Canals, and General Director Ramone Cooper represented ISMF throughout the week. The Forum opened with an address from IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who called on all federations to work together to protect athletes, uphold shared values, and innovate for the future.
Sessions explored commercial innovation, women’s sport and visibility, year-round relevance for federations, and future-focused leadership in an evolving global landscape, topics that echo ISMF’s own priorities in governance, athlete welfare, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Alongside the Forum, ISMF took part in the General Assemblies of both the Association of IOC Recognised International Sport Federations (ARISF) and the Winter Olympic Federations (WOF), reinforcing dialogue with peer organisations and ensuring alignment on governance, integrity, and Games preparation. ISMF was also invited to contribute to the IOC-hosted consultation “Fit for the Future,” led by President Coventry, which focused on the evolving role of International Federations within the Olympic ecosystem.
ISMF also attended the annual meeting of sports federations and organisations based in the Canton of Vaud, hosted at the Olympic Museum by the Canton, the City of Lausanne, and the Fondation Lausanne Capitale Olympique. The event, held in the presence of Christelle Luisier Brodard, President of the Vaud Council of State, Grégoire Junod, Mayor of Lausanne, and IOC President Kirsty Coventry, provided an opportunity for local and international federations to exchange updates and strengthen ties within the Olympic Capital’s growing sports community.
Reflecting on the discussions, ISMF President Regula Meier said:
“This week underlined how vital it is for all International Federations to stay connected and forward-looking. For ISMF, it was a chance to listen, exchange, and strengthen our relationships within the Olympic family, particularly as we continue to professionalise and prepare for the opportunities ahead.”
ISMF’s participation highlighted its active role within the Olympic Movement and its ongoing commitment to collaboration, integrity, and athlete-centred governance.
The excitement is building, and now major U.S. media outlets are taking notice. Recently, NBC featured ski mountaineering, giving American viewers a first look at what will be one of the most thrilling events of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy.
We’re proud to see our sport capturing global attention and inspiring both athletes and fans as the Olympic countdown begins.
Lausanne, Switzerland – 28 October 2025
One of Austria’s top ski mountaineering athletes, Paul Verbnjak, shares insights into his training routines and the specialist equipment behind top-level ski mountaineering performance.
At just 23, Verbnjak is already among the world’s best. A double U23 European Champion and World Cup medalist, he grew up in Carinthia with a clear goal — to be faster than his father, a former ski mountaineer himself. “Crossing the finish line exhausted but happy — that feeling is unique,” he says.
Every gram of equipment counts. Ultra-light skis, bindings and suits are optimized for efficiency, but it’s the athlete who makes the difference. “If you have to think during a race, it’s already too late,” Verbnjak notes. “Everything must be automatic.”
His training blends endurance, altitude work and speed, supported by his experience as a professional cyclist with the Lidl–Trek Future Team. “In the end,” he says, “when your body is empty, it’s your mind that decides whether you win or fade.”
Lausanne, Switzerland – 24 October 2025
The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) joined more than 400 leaders from the Olympic Movement, governments, inter-governmental agencies, and integrity bodies for the 5th International Forum for Sports Integrity (IFSI) on 24 October 2025.
Organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Forum concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Universal Declaration on Sports Integrity — a new action-oriented commitment to strengthen governance, protect competitions, and safeguard athletes across the global sport system.
The Declaration outlines responsibilities for stakeholders across four priority areas:
– Promoting good governance and combating corruption in sport;
– Preventing competition manipulation;
– Ensuring integrity in officiating, including the responsible use of technology and AI; and
– Strengthening safeguarding in sport.
ISMF’s participation reflects its alignment with these principles and its ongoing governance reforms to enhance integrity and transparency across all operations. Over the past year, ISMF has adopted a series of new policies and regulations — including the Integrity Code, Safeguarding Rules, Conflict of Interest Policy, and Disciplinary Rules — to modernise governance and reinforce ethical standards.
“The Declaration echoes the direction we have adopted as a responsible federation and positive contributor to the Olympic Movement” said Juan Jesús Ibañez Martin, President of the ISMF Ethics and Compliance Office, who attended the Forum on behalf of ISMF. “It strengthens our shared responsibility to uphold fairness, accountability, and athlete protection at every level.”
ISMF President Regula Meier added that these reforms form part of the federation’s wider governance modernisation programme: “Integrity is the foundation of trust in sport. By embedding clear governance frameworks and independent mechanisms, we are ensuring ISMF remains a credible and responsible member of the Olympic family.”
The ISMF’s recent governance advances are closely aligned with the Universal Declaration on Sports Integrity and the International Partnership Against Corruption in Sport (IPACS) benchmarks referenced within it.
The full text of the Universal Declaration is available on the IOC website.
© Photo credit: IOC
The ISMF Referee Forum 2025 will take place from 13 to 16 November 2025 in Breuil-Cervinia, Italy, bringing together international officials in preparation for the 2025/26 season and the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
The Forum will unite referees, technical delegates, jury presidents, and officials for an intense program of technical updates, practical on snow training, and collaboration to ensure readiness and consistency across all ISMF events.
The programme will include:
– Olympic preparation sessions (13–14 November) dedicated to International and National Technical Officials appointed for Milano Cortina 2026;
– Technical and operational workshops (14–16 November) covering updates to the 2025/26 Rules & Guidelines, penalty procedures, and VAR operations;
– A simulation day on 15 November featuring a Sprint format, providing applied officiating practice; and
– Pre-forum online sessions at the end of October an in early November to introduce rule updates and key changes ahead of the in-person training.
“The Referee Forum is a cornerstone of our preparation, especially as we enter an Olympic season,” said Oriol Montero, ISMF Referee Manager.“It’s where our officials align on the latest standards, share experiences, and reinforce the professionalism for every ISMF competition.”
Vacancies
Gender Equality Commission
n. 1 to 3 vacancies
Legal Safety Commission
n. 4 vacancies
How to apply
Once the electoral process is officially opened by the ISMF Office, a specific deadline for applications will be announced for the election of the following bodies.
If a delegate of ISMF National Member is interested in applying for any of the available positions, please contact the ISMF Office (office@ismf-ski.org) to know any electoral process open.
The following documents are required for application:
- The ISMF Nomination Form (as proposed in the electoral process)
- The candidate’s Curriculum Vitae
- A letter of motivation from the nominated person
- A support letter from the proposing National Member