2025 Congress Update
2025 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Congress Update
It was great to have so many people together in-person at the annual U.S. Ski & Snowboard Congress in Park City. Those in attendance heard meaningful reporting from staff, coaches, officials, and volunteers from around the country. There was much discussion about the state of our sport and key issues to address as we move forward for the 2026 season. For anyone looking for a recap, meeting minutes and reports have been posted online here. Below is a summary of action items that were passed by the Alpine Sport Committee along with other important information.
Alpine Sport Committee (ASC) Operating Procedures
The new ASC Operating Procedures were approved by the ASC and the Board of Directors (BOD), reducing Sport Committee membership from 25 to 18 and the number of subcommittees from 4 to 3.
Alpine Development Playbook
The Performance Task Force’s Alpine Development Playbook was presented, discussed, and endorsed. A plan was established to implement its recommendations through working group meetings this summer.
U18 Start Limitation
The U18 FIS start limitation of 30 technical events for first-year athletes and 35 technical events for second-year athletes was repealed (U607.2).
Out-of-Region Quotas for FIS Events
Flexibility was allowed for U.S. Ski & Snowboard regional directors to expand out-of-region quotas beyond 10 when possible, depending on field size and race organizer approval.
Live Timing at U14 and Younger Races
Real-time “live timing” services will not be allowed during U.S. Ski & Snowboard races with U14 and younger athletes. Unofficial results can be posted online after the completion of a race run.
Gate Height for U14 Athletes
Flexibility was allowed for 72-inch gates to be used at events with U14 athletes.
Alternating Gate Colors
Flexibility was allowed for gates to be contrasting and alternating colors - not just red or blue (680.2.1.1).
Officials Education
Alpine Official (AO) updates will be required annually beginning with season 2026.
TD Daily Allowance
The daily allowance for National Alpine TDs will rise from $120 to $150.
Next Meeting
The ASC will next meet in October of 2025: specific date and time to be announced.