There are numerous ski organizations in existence, and each ski organization has a specific purpose. Many of the operations of these organizations will affect you as a skier, because they have an impact on the sport in general.
For this reason, it is a good idea to know what organizations are out there, and what they do. It is also a good idea to find out what educational programs are offered by the various organizations and to take advantage of those educational programs so that you can get the most out of your sport.
The most well-known, important, and influential ski organization is the International Ski Federation, also known as the FIS.
The FIS was founded in 1924 and has approximately 101 national ski associations as members today. The FSI governs the following ski disciplines: alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, and extreme skiing.
These different disciplines include downhill skiing, super giant slalom, giant slalom, slalom, cross country, ski jumping, Nordic combined, Telemark skiing, freestyle skiing, speed skiing, roller skiing, and snowboarding, as well as all competitions that are associated with these different types of skiing.
Other important organizations include the United States Ski and Snowboard Association, The National Ski Patrol Association, and the International Ski Instructors Association.
The United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) governs Olympic skiing and snowboarding in the US. It was founded in 1905 and is based in Utah.
It covers alpine, cross country, disabled, freestyle, ski jumping, Nordic combined, and snowboarding. This governing body only affects you, for the most part, if you do any type of competitive skiing.
The National Ski Patrol Association provides educational programs and services to help individuals and other organizations learn and follow safety practices throughout the sport of skiing, outdoor emergency care, and winter transportation services.
It was founded in 1938 and offers accreditation for ski patrol personnel and programs throughout the US. Since you may one day need the ski patrol to come to your rescue, this governing body is important to you.
The International Ski Instructors Association, known as the ISIA, is the governing body for professional ski instructors in 36 member nations.
It was founded in 1959, and it ensures that ski instructors have the necessary skills to teach others how to ski safely.
If you take ski lessons, you will want to find a ski instructor that has been certified by the International Ski Instructors Association, or by that country’s ski instructors association, which in turn should be a member of the International Ski Instructors Association.
Each country has its own individual ski organizations, which affect the sport of skiing in that country as well. Find out what ski organizations exist in your country, and what part they play in your favorite sport.
Again, you probably won’t think much about these organizations until they make a change that affects you, or you find that you are in need of their help such as in need of ski lessons or the ski patrol but it is a good idea to know what organizations are regulating your sport no matter what sport it is that you participate in.
