What Are FIS Points – and Why They Shape My Alpine Skiing Career

FIS points determine your international ranking, your start position – and whether you even get a chance to race. Here’s how the system works, and how it has shaped my journey.

📍 Introduction

FIS points are not just numbers on a list. They define where you start, who you race against, and which events you're allowed to enter. In this post, I explain how the system works, how points are calculated – and how it has driven my path toward the top.

📈 What Are FIS Points?

FIS points are the official international ranking system in alpine skiing, used by the International Ski Federation (FIS) to compare athletes across all levels and countries.

The lower your FIS points, the better your ranking. For example:

• A skier with 60 points is ranked higher than one with 90

• Winning a race with a low base value can significantly improve your points

• Your two best results in each discipline count toward your official FIS ranking

🧠 How Are FIS Points Calculated?

Your result in a race is based on two main factors:

1. Base ValueThis represents the quality of the race and is calculated using:

• The average of the 5 best-ranked skiers on the start list

• And the average of the 5 best-ranked skiers among the top 10 finishers

The lower of these two is used as the base. The stronger the field, the lower the base value.

2. Time Difference (Addition)You receive an addition based on how far behind the winner you finish.

This is calculated by multiplying the time difference (in seconds) by a discipline-specific factor – usually around 8 in slalom.

• Shorter courses = higher factor

• Longer courses = lower factor

🎯 What Do FIS Points Actually Mean?

FIS points directly reflect your international standing. Here's a rough guide:

FIS Points	Approx. World Rank	What You Need to Win
0	World #1	World Cup
15	Top 50	Continental Cup (EC, NorAm, FEC)
20	Top 80	National Championship
23	Top 130	Strong FIS Race

📌 Important:Even if World Cup athletes are racing, the base value can never go below these minimums:

• 23 in a FIS race

• 20 in a National Championship

• 15 in a Continental Cup

This means there’s a limit to how low your FIS points can go – no matter how strong the field is. You only earn better points by performing well, under pressure, against top competition.

💡 Real Example: How a Result Is Scored

Let’s say I compete in a National Championship (NC) with:

• Base value: 20.00 FIS points

• Placement: 2nd

• Time behind winner: 0.60 seconds

• Factor: 8.00

Calculation:0.60 × 8.00 = 4.80→ 20.00 + 4.80 = 24.80 FIS points

To get a base value of 20, the race must include strong skiers – ideally with FIS points around 20 or lower. A result like this can become one of my two counting results in slalom.

🏁 My Journey Through the FIS System

Like everyone else starting out, I began with 999 FIS points – the default when you have no results. That placed me at the very bottom.

But through consistent focus and good results in well-attended races, I began climbing the rankings. I’ve always sought out strong fields with low base values to get the best possible scoring opportunities.

Today, I’m ranked 61st in the world in slalom, thanks to:

• 🏆 Two wins in Continental Cup (FEC) – with scoring near the 15-point range

• 📈 Several top finishes in races featuring World Cup athletes

Now I’m aiming for a Top 50 world ranking, and my next goal is to establish myself at the top of the Europa Cup – and take the step into World Cup racing.

🚪 Why This Matters for Sponsors

For sponsors, FIS points offer a clear and objective way to track my performance and development.

• Lower FIS points = higher world ranking

• Higher ranking = better start positions and more visibility

• More visibility = more brand value for you

On top of that, strong results bring:

• 📺 Access to TV-broadcasted races

• 🌍 International exposure

• 🇳🇴 Potential for national team selection

• 🏔️ Involvement in the best training environments in alpine skiing

As a sponsor, you're not just supporting an athlete – you’re joining the journey to the top.

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📝 Mathias Skaaland Larsen🌐 www.mattalarsen.com📍 Hemsedal, Norway