Following a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has expanded its list of Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) to include five Russian athletes and two technical staff members. This decision allows them to compete in FIS events, including qualification events for the 2026 Winter Olympics, despite a previous ban. The move comes after the Russian Ski Association appealed FIS's blanket ban, and CAS ruled that FIS statutes require political neutrality and prohibit discrimination. FIS must also allow Russian para-athletes to participate under IPC guidelines.

Following a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) will now allow eligible Russian and Belarusian athletes, including para-athletes, to participate in all FIS events. This includes qualification events for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Games. The ruling stems from a challenge to FIS's previous ban, with CAS finding that FIS statutes protect individuals from discrimination and require political neutrality. The updated policy mandates direct athlete applications to FIS, excluding involvement from national ski associations of Russia and Belarus. FIS has updated its list of approved athletes and support personnel.

The Russian Olympic Committee is preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with potentially 15-20 neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus. The International Olympic Committee has confirmed eligibility for some athletes, including figure skaters. However, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, and the International Luge Federation have not allowed neutral athletes to participate. The International Skating Union has opened pathways, while the International Ski Mountaineering Federation opened qualification pathways in December.

The International Testing Agency (ITA) initiated its pre-Games anti-doping program for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with testing recommendations sent to global anti-doping organizations. The program aims for strategic, risk-based testing, complementing efforts by IFs, NADOs and RADOs and will conclude with the Olympic Villages opening on January 30, 2026. The ITA's previous efforts saw 80% implementation of testing recommendations ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. WADA and Benjamin Cohen also provided comments.

The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) has moved its headquarters to Lausanne, Switzerland, next to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The move aims to strengthen collaboration with partners as ski mountaineering prepares for its Winter Olympics debut at Milano Cortina 2026. The ISMF's strategic and operational office will be located at the Maison du Sport International. The Lausanne Olympic Capital Foundation supported the transition.