Former FIS President Gian Franco Kasper passes away

The Australian snowsports community extends its sympathies on the passing of former FIS President, Gian Franco Kasper, who died last Friday at the age of 77.

Born in St Moritz (SUI) on January 24, 1944, Kasper joined FIS in 1975 and was subsequently appointed as its General Secretary in 1979.

In 1998 he was elected as President, a role he held for 23 years until June 2021. He was succeeded by Johan Eliasch who was elected at the recent FIS Congress as only the fifth President in the history of FIS. Just days before the Congress, Kasper, was admitted to hospital, where he remained until he passed away on Friday evening.

Snow Australia President, and FIS Councillor Dean Gosper offered his condolences on behalf of the Australian snowsports community.

"I was saddened to hear the news of Gian Franco’s passing,” said Gosper.

“Gian Franco was a strong, but gracious leader who dedicated his life to the service of snow sports. The strong position FIS is in right now is his greatest legacy. His wisdom and sharp sense of humour will be deeply missed by the entire snowsport community.

“My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Johan Eliasch, the newly elected President of the International Ski Federation, said Gian Franco Kasper was a unique figure in the international sports community.

“He built FIS from a small Federation, to the undisputed leader in winter sports, a testament to his vision and work ethic," he said.

Kasper was married and had one son.