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In a move to provide more targeted and fan oriented services, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has launched two new websites for followers of Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, with a third site, focused on Ski Jumping, to follow at the end of November.

The new websites are focused on the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup at www.fisalpineworldcup.com and the LG Snowboard FIS World Cup at www.fissnowboardworldcup.com, with www.fisskijumpingworldcup.com poised to tell the story of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup series.

In creating the websites, FIS has worked with its marketing consultant, the international sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media through its dedicated competence centre for the distribution of new media sports rights, Infront Advanced Media Solutions.

Exclusive content focusing on the stars
The goal of these new fan websites is to provide a year-round service to fans of these Olympic sports, as well as delivering background information for the media. They will focus in particular on the athletes, offering detailed profiles, behind-the-scenes reports, blogs and lifestyle information about the stars of the sport.

The sites will also feature in-depth race, news and behind the scenes coverage from the FIS World Cup competitions and information on the venues, as well as a FIS World Cup “Wall of Fame”. Most of the content will be exclusively created (both text and video).

Live streaming coverage
Live streaming coverage of most of the competitions will be available on the new websites. Starting with the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup this weekend in Levi, Finland, live streaming will be available for the bib draw and prize giving ceremonies (Friday, 15 November and Saturday, 16 November 2008, at 5:45pm CET).

Users can access the premium service for all featured disciplines for an annual subscription of 39 Euro covering close to 150 single events. Access will be only geo-blocked in a few countries where conflicting media license agreements are in place. Race coverage can be viewed for free on demand 72 hours after the competition.

Special features will be added to the websites to support active, long term commercial partners, including sponsors. They will also showcase FIS initiatives in the promotion of the sport, such as “Bring Children to the Snow” and non-profit partnerships such as that with the “Right to Play” humanitarian organisation.

FIS will retain its traditional website as the institutional site for the federation.

Relevant services for a younger audience
Sarah Lewis, General Secretary of FIS said: “FIS - as part of its ongoing promotion and development of skiing - is working on ways to bring these sports to new fans, as well as making them even more interesting and accessible to existing fans and the media. Like all sports, we are keen to provide services that are relevant to a younger audience and thus ensure our future growth.”

Bruno Marty, Executive Director Winter Sports for Infront, added: “We also want to provide a vehicle for important stakeholders of these two FIS World Cup series, including the ski racing industry, organising committees and host venues. They need to be able to reach their market with precision and accuracy.”