04/14/2026
Here's an article and greetings from the Italian team through Fabio Cortesi .akja of XXV FIPS Congress 🍕🇮🇹
There's also a link in stories of you want to visit FISPS homepage and read it there.
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FISPS at the 25th FIPS World Congress in Canada: Innovation and Safety on the Slopes
The Italian Federation for Ski Slope Safety (FISPS) took part in the 25th FIPS World Congress, held from March 27 to April 3, 2026, in Big White, Kelowna (Canada).
The event brought together 12 countries (Canada as host nation, Argentina, Australia, Chile, South Korea, Iceland, Italy, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA), with over 150 delegates from around the world. It confirmed its role as one of the leading global events for ski patrol professionals, safety managers, and snow industry experts.
The congress featured a combination of classroom-based theoretical sessions and numerous on-slope practical exercises, providing participants with a comprehensive and highly valuable training experience.
Among the key topics addressed, particular attention was given to avalanche rescue and snow immersion incidents, including testing of the latest ventilation techniques for buried victims. Significant focus was also placed on emergency medical response, with sessions dedicated to managing trauma and complex medical conditions in high-altitude environments.
Considerable space was devoted to canine rescue operations, with practical demonstrations highlighting the effectiveness of search and rescue dogs. At the same time, workshops on adaptive winter sports were conducted, including exercises on sit-ski evacuations and discussions on improving accessibility for skiers with disabilities.
The congress also provided an important opportunity to explore emerging technologies, with delegates sharing the latest digital tools for risk management and ski patrol coordination.
A dedicated session also focused on the evolving profile of slope users, with the presentation “When Boomers Crash,” offering insight into the aging skier and snowboarder population and emphasizing the need for an increasingly attentive, cautious, and inclusive approach.
FISPS Italy was given a special space in recognition of its active and leading participation in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The FISPS delegates presented to the Congress the experiences of the rescuers involved, both in coordination and in on-slope operations alongside medical personnel and other emergency services. Appreciation and esteem were expressed by those present, particularly by President Marie Nordgren and Secretary Brian Low.
FISPS played a leading role throughout the congress, actively contributing to discussions and activities. Its participation represented an important opportunity for growth, professional development, and the exchange of best practices with organizations from around the world, further strengthening its position in the international ski safety community.
Warm greetings and sincere thanks to our friends from all over the world for their collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the spirit of friendship that made this congress a truly unique experience.
