FIS Buys Freeride World Tour

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has purchased the Freeride World Tour (FWT) for an undisclosed sum.

“By acquiring the FWT, FIS will further unite all the disciplines in skiing and snowboarding, giving them more strength and power to develop on the global stage,” an FWT statement reads, and CEO Nicolas Hale-Woods commented, “For our freeride athletes and event organizers, being under the umbrella of the largest winter sports International Federation, recognized by the International Olympic Committee, will give them more access to support, increased visibility and additional resources that will ultimately allow the FWT and all of its stakeholders to grow.”

The change of ownership will begin this season with FWT continuing to run the daily operations of the Tour, while the FIS will place its focus on the marketing and governance of the FWT, instilling a structure that follows the guidelines of recognized Olympic sports.

When asked how much the FIS paid for the FWT, an FWT spokesperson responded, “The transaction terms remain confidential.”

“This is truly a win-win for all parties as FIS can bring massive growth potential to the FWT providing the chance to develop on a broader stage. FWT brings a highly professional tour that offers breath-taking action and an entirely new element of skiing and snowboarding to FIS,” said Johan Eliasch, FIS President.