French Ski Federation Highlights Role As a major player in the economy and life of mountain regions

With the upcoming 2030 Alpine Olympic Games, the French Ski Federation (FFS) sought to better measure and understand the real impact of its activities on local communities. It is in this context that a groundbreaking study on the socio-economic contribution of the FFS and its affiliated organizations was conducted in partnership with the Center for Law and Economics of Sport (CDES) .

The results confirm the central role of the federation and its clubs, well beyond the sporting field alone: ​​economic player, vector of accessibility to the practice, and essential link in mountain employment .

A significant economic force serving the territories

• Today, organized skiing generates nearly €143 million in economic benefits for the French mountain ranges.

This economic impact is based on:

• the expenses of licensed members , whether they are involved in competitive or recreational practice (packages, transport, accommodation, meals, equipment…),

• and the expenses of the federal structures (clubs, committees, federation) related to the organization of practice, training courses, stays and day trips, supervision, …

• This dynamic illustrates a strong reality: federated skiing fuels the mountain economy , supporting the activity of resorts, professionals and tourism stakeholders, while fitting into a sustainable and territorial logic.

• The diversity of profiles – competitors as well as recreational practitioners – constitutes a real lever in this respect, broadening the audiences and uses throughout the season.

Mountain resort clubs, cornerstones of pre-training and access to mountain professions

The study highlights the key role of resort clubs in the mountain ecosystem.

Due to their direct proximity to the areas where skiing and snowboarding take place, they are major players:

• of pre-training in sports , particularly for young people engaged in regular or competitive practice,

• of orientation towards mountain professions , particularly those of supervision and teaching of skiing.

• Nearly 8 out of 10 athletes believe that federal structures can support them towards a mountain-related profession, and in 7 out of 10 cases , clubs declare that they play an active role in this support.

• Resort clubs thus appear as genuine gateways to employment , helping to structure sporting and professional pathways, and to meet the skills needs of mountain areas.

Leisure clubs and outdoor clubs: key players in accessibility and discovery

The study also highlights the strategic importance of leisure-oriented clubs and lowland clubs , whether near or far from the mountains, which are essential for the development and maintenance of regular and local practice.

These clubs play a fundamental role in:

• the discovery of skiing and snow sports ,

• accessibility to the practice , for all types of audiences,

• retaining practitioners , thanks to a friendly and progressive approach.

• They often constitute the first contact with federated skiing , before possible specialization or orientation towards more intensive practices.

This mission relies heavily on volunteer commitment , a cornerstone of the federation's model: nearly 40% of the 6,500 survey respondents identified themselves as volunteers, dedicating an average of several hours per week to their club. This human investment is a key factor in cohesion, knowledge transfer, and local dynamism.

A diverse range of activities, supported by an ever-expanding selection of clubs

The study highlights a wide diversity of practices within ski clubs , reflecting the evolving expectations of members. While alpine skiing remains the core discipline , it coexists with an increasingly broad range of offerings that include Nordic skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, freestyle, and ski touring. This diversity is particularly pronounced in resort clubs, where more than a third offer at least three different disciplines. At the same time, many clubs (over 50%) are developing off-slope activities to extend participation throughout the year and address health, well-being, and retention goals. This adaptability is a major strength of the federation's model, enabling it to reach diverse audiences, from recreational skiers to competitive athletes, and to strengthen the clubs' ties to their local communities.

Key lessons for federal strategy

Beyond the figures, this study provides clear lessons for the future of the FFS:

• To recognize and value the economic importance of all structures , whether they are geared towards recreational or competitive practice,

• Strengthening the role of resort clubs as key players in pre-training and access to employment in the mountains

• Supporting and accompanying leisure and outdoor clubs , essential for accessibility, discovery and renewal of practitioners, very often serving a regular practice for local populations (<1h30 from practice locations);

• Strengthening the role of volunteering , the foundation of the functioning and vitality of ski clubs.

• These guidelines are fully in line with the strategic thinking undertaken by the French Ski Federation, particularly with regard to the Alps 2030 vision.

• A time for exchange, sharing, and collective building.

The results of this study were officially presented at a meeting bringing together nearly 100 stakeholders from the ski ecosystem : clubs, local authorities, and institutional and economic partners.

Roundtable discussions and exchanges fostered a collective reflection on the future of federated skiing and its role at the heart of mountain regions.

The publication of this study marks an important step: that of a federation that knows itself better in order to act better , in service of practice, the economy and the mountains.

Key figures: The socio-economic contribution of federated skiing

• 143 million euros Annual economic weight of federated skiing in the mountain ranges.

• Including €76.4 million in expenses incurred by the structures of the FFS (clubs, committees, federation), and €66.5 million in expenses directly incurred by members as part of their club activities.

• 2.2 million days skied by FFS licensees.

• 39.7% of respondents declare themselves to be volunteers within their ski club.

• 77% of the athletes surveyed are considering a career related to the mountains.

• 7 out of 10 members were supported by their club in their career path towards mountain profession

The French Ski Federation has had a passion for sport and a family spirit for 100 years.