FIS to Increase World Cup Ski Prize Money 10% next season

Prize money on the World Cup ski and snowboard circuit is set to rise next season.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has officially approved a 10% minimum increase in prize money across all World Cup disciplines for the 2025–26 season. The update applies to the minimum purse required at each event—and continues FIS’s commitment to equal payouts for men and women across all disciplines.

Currently, FIS mandates that Alpine World Cup organizers offer at least CHF 144,000 (USD $177,716) in prize money, divided among the top 30 finishers. First place typically takes home CHF 47,000, a slight reduction from the previous CHF 50,000 to allow more distribution to lower-ranked racers.

With the 10% increase, Alpine World Cup races will now have a minimum purse of CHF 172,800 (USD $213,260).

“It is clear that we still have a lot to do when it comes to rewarding our athletes as they deserve,” said FIS President Johan Eliasch. “This is an important step, but only another one in a long way ahead.”

It’s important to note: the increase applies only to FIS-mandated minimums. Many venues, especially high-profile ones, offer far more.

Case in point: the legendary Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbühel, Austria. Last season, the total prize purse there topped €1 million (USD $1.15 million) across three men’s events—well beyond the required baseline.

As always, actual payouts depend heavily on local sponsorships, public funding, and media deals. But the increase ensures a stronger baseline across the board—especially for smaller or less prominent events.