The ISMF Plenary Assembly in Baku highlighted preparations for the Olympic Winter Games and the election of new Council member while also welcoming 4 new federations.
The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) Plenary Assembly took place in Baku, Azerbaijan. Hosted in the dynamic city that merges tradition with modernity, the Assembly gathered delegates from 23 nations across four continents, reflecting the increasing global momentum behind ski mountaineering.
The Assembly was officially opened by ISMF President, Regula Meier, who extended her gratitude to the Azerbaijan National Federation for their warm hospitality. She emphasized the importance of international cooperation in further promoting the sport on a globally.
Florian Sengstschmid, Vice President of the Winter Sports Federation of Azerbaijan, addressed the attendees, underscoring Azerbaijan’s dedication to the development of ski mountaineering. He reaffirmed the country’s full support for the sport’s growth.
A special highlight of the Assembly was a video address from Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who acknowledged the ISMF’s progress and its upcoming debut at the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
The Assembly proceeded to review and approve the ISMF’s Annual Report, which outlined the federation’s achievements and challenges over the past year. Key amendments to the ISMF Statutes were also approved, further strengthening the federation’s governance structure and aligning it with best practices.
During the election of a new ISMF Council member, Vehbi Aytekin Sanalan from Turkey was re-elected, to continue being part of ISMF Council. That Helder Alberto Navarro Carriazo, from Skimocol Colombia, was elected to join the Compliance Office, bringing with him a wealth of expertise.
Additionally, Naoko Maruyama, a member of the organizing committee for the Milano Cortina Games, shared valuable insights into the preparations for the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering. She detailed the collaborative efforts that are being made to ensure the sport’s successful introduction to the Olympic stage.
Reflecting its commitment to global expansion, the ISMF welcomed new member federations, including the Hungarian Mountaineering and Climbing Federation, the Cyprus Mountaineering Climbing Orienteering Federation, the Skimo Indian Federation, and the Malta Ski Mountaineering Federation.
The day before the Plenary Assembly, the ISMF hosted a workshop for National Member Federations (NMFs) to review past season highlights and discuss upcoming projects for the ISMF, encouraging active participation and collaboration.
About the ISMF:
Founded in 2007, the ISMF is the global governing body for competitive ski mountaineering. Since 2016, the organisation has been officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Its main goals are the promotion, regulation and development of the sport of ski mountaineering worldwide. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ISMF’s membership consists of 49 national federations located in Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. The ISMF organizes ski mountaineering Senior and Youth World Cups, as well as Masters and World Championships. For the first time, ski mountaineering was a medal sport at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has been included in the programme of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games.
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