Skiverband

Skiverband is a term that can refer to several different entities or concepts, primarily related to skiing and its organizations. In its most common usage, it refers to a national ski association or federation. These organizations are responsible for the development, promotion, and governance of skiing within a particular country. They often oversee various disciplines of skiing, including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and snowboarding. Skiverband structures typically involve membership from local ski clubs and are involved in selecting national teams for international competitions, organizing domestic races, and setting standards for coaching and safety.

In some contexts, Skiverband can also be used more generally to describe a group or alliance of skiers, such as a team or a collective participating in an event. However, the primary meaning remains tied to the official governing bodies. The specific name and structure of a Skiverband vary significantly from country to country. For instance, Germany has the Deutscher Skiverband (DSV), Austria has the Österreichischer Skiverband (ÖSV), and Switzerland has Swiss-Ski. These national federations are integral to the international skiing community, often affiliated with global organizations like the International Ski Federation (FIS). Their activities extend beyond elite sports to include grassroots development, recreational skiing, and snow sports education.