Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World Schools Ski Racing Championships?

The World Schools Ski Racing Championships is a new international alpine ski racing event bringing together schools from around the world to compete in Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super-G and a unique Team Parallel Slalom under lights in Verbier, Switzerland.

When and where is the event?

The inaugural Championships will take place in Verbier, Switzerland, from 21–24 January 2027.

Who can enter?

The event is open to international and independent schools worldwide. Schools may enter individuals, teams, or both.

How do schools register?

Schools can register their interest online. When entry opens, subscribed schools will receive information regarding entries, accommodation, lift passes, deadlines and event logistics.

Do schools need to attend the entire Championships?

No. Schools can choose to enter:

The full Championships
Individual race days
Individual disciplines
The Team Parallel Slalom

This flexible format allows schools of all sizes to participate.

What age categories are available?

U19

Born 2007–2010

U16

Born 2011–2012

U14

Born 2013–2014

U12

Born 2015 or later

Age categories are based strictly on year of birth.

What disciplines will be contested?

The Championships will include:

Team Parallel Slalom
Slalom (SL)
Giant Slalom (GS)
Super-G (SG)

Is the event sanctioned under FIS rules?

Yes. Racing will be conducted according to FIS International Competition Rules (ICR), except where modified by the event regulations.

Do competitors need a FIS licence?

No. A FIS licence is not required to participate. However, competitors should have sufficient ski racing experience and be capable of racing safely in alpine competition environments.

Who decides whether a skier is capable of competing?

Team managers and coaches are responsible for ensuring their athletes are suitably experienced and able to compete safely.

The Race Jury may also prevent a competitor from starting if there are concerns regarding safety.

Is insurance required?

Yes. All participants are responsible for arranging their own:

Accident insurance
Third-party liability insurance

What equipment is required?

All competitors must wear a ski racing helmet that complies with current FIS equipment regulations and carries the appropriate certification markings.

Additional discipline-specific equipment requirements will be communicated before the event.

How does the Team Competition work?

Points are awarded in every individual race based on finishing positions.

The top 10 finishers in each age group, gender and discipline score points for their school.

Awards will be presented for:

Best Senior Team (U19 & U16)
Best Intermediate Team (U14 & U12)
Overall Team Champions

What individual awards are available?

Medals will be awarded to:

1st, 2nd and 3rd place boys and girls in each age category and discipline

Additional awards will be presented for:

Combined Champions
Overall Male Champion
Overall Female Champion

What is the Combined Competition?

The Combined Competition rewards the most complete racers.

Results are based on combined performances across Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super-G.

What happens if weather conditions affect racing?

The Organising Committee reserves the right to amend the schedule, race programme or race format if necessary due to weather, snow conditions or operational requirements.

Any significant changes will be communicated to schools as early as possible.

What happens if a racer is delayed getting to the start?

Competitors must arrive at the start on time.

Late arrivals may not be permitted to start unless the delay is caused by circumstances outside their control, such as lift disruptions.

Can a racer request a re-run?

Yes.

If a racer is impeded during their run, they must immediately notify the nearest race official and follow the official re-run procedure.

Only the Race Jury can approve a re-run request.

How are protests handled?

Any protest regarding disqualifications or referee decisions must be submitted to the Race Jury within 15 minutes of the official publication of the Referee’s Report.

Will there be social events?