World Ski Instructors Congress In Czech Republic IVSI2025 Was An Unprecedented Success
From March 18 to 22, the Czech Republic hosted a major milestone in the world of winter sports for the first time in its history. At the Dolní Morava resort, the Czech Association of Snow Sports Instructors (AISS) successfully organized a prestigious international congress, welcoming top ski and snowboard instructors from around the globe – members of the International Federation of Snowsport Instructors (IFSI). The four-day event concluded with remarkable success.
After an eight-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and complex global circumstances, more than 150 participants – ski and snowboard instructors from all over the world – were finally able to come together for this international gathering.
A new executive board was elected and Chris Exall was appointed to the executive board [presidium] of the IVSI. In addition to being a tutor and a lifelong member of Snowsport England, Chris is well known for his work as a snowsports journalist and safety consultant.
Chris said “It’s an honour to join the IVSI board, this gives Snowsport England a seat at one of the top tables in world snowsport and recognises our organisation’s influence across the worldwide snowsports community”. He added “IVSI membership gives our coaches international recognition which is one of the most valuable things a snowsports coach can have".
Chris' appointment shows that Snowsport England is well respected within the international snowsports community and that British skiers and snowboarders will be well represented.
Throughout the event, the weather was exceptionally favorable. Despite it being the end of the ski season, the conditions for skiing were excellent, and the congress was exceptionally well-organized in every respect. All of this contributed to overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, national delegation leaders, and the IVSI leadership.
The organization and hosting of the 14th edition of the congress was led by the Czech Association of Snow Sports Instructors (AISS), which represents the Czech Republic in the IFSI. At the national level, AISS unites non-professional instructors of all forms of skiing and snowboarding, organizes professional seminars and training, educates instructors according to the standards of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and IFSI, and is authorized to issue International Snow Sports Instructor licenses.
"IVSI congresses are among the most important international events focused on education and experience-sharing among winter sports instructors. Every four years, they bring together experts who present the latest knowledge in methodology, biomechanics, and sports analysis," said Pavel Krnáč, president of the Czech Association of Snow Sports Instructors.
The program included theoretical lectures, practical workshops, and experience exchange among participants from numerous countries. The congress also served as a platform for presenting national teaching methods and techniques in skiing and snowboarding.
For the Czech Republic, hosting this prestigious event not only strengthened its professional reputation in instructor education but also offered a unique opportunity to present its history, culture, and traditions on an international stage.
"Fifty years after Czechoslovakia hosted the Interski International congress in the High Tatras, the global festival of ski instructors has returned – this time ‘only’ to the Czech Republic," added Pavel Krnáč.
The 2025 IVSI International Congress became not only a key event for professionals in winter sports but also a prestigious platform for showcasing the Czech Republic as a prominent destination for the global instructor community.
The history of IVSI congresses dates back to 1969, when the first edition was held in Mürren, Switzerland. Since then, this esteemed event has taken place in many renowned mountain resorts around the world, such as Chamonix in France, Oberstdorf in Germany, and Hakuba in Japan.
