What does a FIS Race Director actually do?

Pre-race preparations, tight scheduling and sometimes making difficult decisions

Race Director, Alpine Skiing Women's Technical Events

Name: Markus Mayer

Nationality: Austrian

How long have you worked in your position and at FIS?

I have worked as a Race Director for FIS since 2007, so already 12 years. I currently work as Race Director for women’s technical events in Alpine Skiing. This means I have visited Finland and the Alpine World Cup in Levi many times. As a Race Director, I also occasionally conduct snow control visits and make decisions when required at different event locations.

Markus, tell us about your race day.

I am mainly responsible for all pre-race preparations concerning the sport on the slope itself.

Being an assistant to the Chief Race Director means that I have to deliver a race-ready slope and a functional course crew structure before the Chief Race Director arrives on site.

During race days, I have a lot to organize, all aimed at making sure everything is ready on time. I am also a member of the jury, which means I share responsibility for ensuring that the race itself runs smoothly and according to plan.

What is the most memorable moment or incident that has happened in your career?

There have been so many memorable moments throughout my career that it is impossible to choose just one. However, when it comes to snow control decisions, I must say that it is always disappointing to cancel events because of a lack of snow. I still clearly remember the cancellations in Levi, Courchevel and Zagreb. Those are certainly not the highlights of my career, but they are events I will never forget.