Could Ski Discipline Be Dropped From World Championships?

The new FIS President Alexander Ospelt wants to further revolutionize the alpine skiing circuit and overhaul traditional approaches.

Despite widespread opposition, the FIS aims to hold World Championships at more regular intervals.

Originally, the first additional World Championship was planned for 2028 in Andorra. However, the plan failed due to pushback from federations, athletes, and media rights hurdles.

The updated schedule is now targeting 2032. Japan, China, or South Korea are reportedly favored as host nations.

Will team combined have to make way?

Speaking on "Podcast am Pistenrand", Ospelt questioned whether all current events need to be held at a World Championship.

The team combined in particular is said to be on shaky ground. Ospelt questioned its purpose: "There are team combined world champions who are also world champions. On equal footing with a downhill world champion. That is open for discussion."

Shortened World Championship possible

If the team combined – where medals are set to be awarded for the first time at the 2025 World Championships in Saalbach and the 2026 Olympics – were scrapped again, the duration of the major event could be reduced from 14 to nine days.

Midweek events are a money-losing venture due to a lack of interest, according to Ospelt.

One thing is certain: without the team combined in the World Championship program, the young discipline would also vanish from the Olympic program.