Alpine Skiing Revamps Safety Standards After Tragic Losses

The recent deaths of Italian Alpine skiers Matteo Franzoso and Matilde Lorenzi have prompted a critical reassessment of safety protocols within the sport. Both athletes tragically lost their lives due to injuries sustained in training accidents, leading the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to explore comprehensive safety reforms ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the dangers posed on high-speed courses, such as the notorious Stelvio course in Bormio, where downhill skiers can reach speeds of up to 150 kph. This track was also the site of a severe crash that sidelined Austrian world champion Marco Schwarz for a year. According to Urs Lehmann, the newly appointed CEO of FIS, the recent tragedies have raised profound questions about the existing safety framework in competitive skiing.

Reevaluating Safety Strategies

In light of these incidents, Lehmann has initiated a comprehensive plan aimed at overhauling safety measures. The FIS has launched a survey targeting its approximately 140 member federations to identify vulnerabilities in their safety protocols. “We want to see: do you have a dedicated person in charge for safety?” Lehmann stated in an interview with Reuters. The goal is to establish best practices and set standardized safety measures across all federations.

One of the immediate changes under consideration is the expansion of airbag regulations. Currently, airbags are mandatory for speed World Cup events and official training sessions starting from the 2024-25 season. Previously, some athletes, including Italian downhiller Dominik Paris, voiced concerns that the airbag system limited their movement. Lehmann insists there will be no exceptions: “Airbags must be worn during training… No exceptions.”

The airbag technology, primarily supplied by Italian manufacturer Dainese, has been a significant advancement in skier safety. Dainese’s airbag system utilizes advanced sensors and GPS to detect crashes, inflating only when necessary. While initial resistance to the technology hindered its adoption, its efficacy has been proven in several high-profile incidents, including a crash involving Olympic champion Matthias Mayer in 2015.

Addressing Risks Beyond Race Days

Former champions have highlighted that the most significant risks often occur during training sessions rather than competitive races. Retired skier Kristian Ghedina emphasized that training sites, particularly on summer glaciers or in South America, frequently lack adequate protective measures. “In World Cup you have nets right and left; in training protections are precarious,” he remarked.

Echoing Ghedina’s concerns, three-time Olympic champion Deborah Compagnoni has called for improved safety measures during training, advocating for modifications to gate settings and the preparation of snow surfaces to enhance skier safety. “What’s missing today are protections during training,” she noted, stressing the importance of creating wider fall zones and soft barriers in narrow areas of the course.

The foundation established by Adolfo Lorenzi in memory of his daughter Matilde also echoes these safety concerns. Lorenzi advocates for enhanced training standards and the implementation of higher safety protocols at training camps. “There’s a cost – but there’s no cost tied to a human life,” he stated.

Lehmann is exploring additional safety innovations, such as smart bindings that could reduce knee and tibia injuries. These bindings would utilize algorithms to trigger ski release more effectively and could be available within the next three to four years. There is also consideration for thicker race suits to slow skiers, although Lehmann acknowledged the challenges posed by teams prioritizing speed enhancements.

Academia is contributing to this safety dialogue as well. Researchers from Turin’s Polytechnic University are utilizing drones to analyze skiing courses and generate risk maps, potentially aiding in determining the suitability of courses for specific training sessions. Professor Tania Cerquitelli affirmed that improved data-driven analysis could significantly enhance safety measures.

While the integration of better equipment and advanced safety measures is crucial, experts maintain that effective course management remains vital. Ghedina, who championed the use of back protectors in the 1990s, advocates for more comprehensive safety measures on training pistes, including increased nets, air-fences, and designated fall zones. “You can’t make a sport of speed totally safe… but you can do much more on training pistes,” he concluded.

As the Alpine skiing community grapples with these challenges, the emphasis on safety has never been more critical. The FIS’s proactive approach aims to ensure that future athletes can compete with a greater assurance of safety, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of the sport.