As part of the new agreement fans across the globe - with the exception of those in Germany and the United States where exclusive broadcast agreements are in place - will also be able to watch free coverage of all the sport's disciplines on the FIS YouTube channel and website, which is set to undergo "a complete overhaul" by the end of this month.

In addition, national federations will be given the opportunity to embed the FIS snowboard and freestyle news players, also known as video news releases (VNRs), on their own websites to extend the reach of the sport still further.

Each feed, available within four hours of the end of the each competition, will feature event highlights, images, the top three final runs, interviews with athletes and extensive podium coverage.

The move comes after impressive figures in the 2012-2013 snowboard and freestyle ski season, which saw 140 VNRs being distributed to more than 130 international broadcasters, totalling 100 hours of coverage across both television and online platforms.

Other disciplines, including cross country and alpine skiing, proved equally popular, with access to the 17 hours of programming on the FIS website totalling more than 530,000 page views.

Fans across the globe will be able to watch free coverage of all the sport’s disciplines
on the FIS YouTube channel


"The popularity of the video news releases over recent years has remained consistent and was a clear motivator for continuing the service," FIS secretary general Sarah Lewis said.

"With its post-production, distribution and digital media expertise, Infront supports us in boosting our sport's coverage on various channels and around the world.

"Distributing the FIS World Cups programming through all available media platforms is highly appreciated by the fans and with the free material we can even offer an additional benefit to our broadcast partners."

As well as the news coverage, Infront will also produce a series of weekly magazine-style programmes, including the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Report, the FIS Snowboard World Cup Magazine and the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup Magazine, throughout the season, which will also be available to broadcasters.

"The extension of the project for two seasons is a result of its appreciation by fans and broadcasters," Bruno Marty, executive director of winter sports at Infront, explained.

"Together with the FIS and all national skiing federations, our overall ambition to increase audience interest by promoting and distributing the FIS World Cup programming through television as well as digital media remains.

"In this spirit, we are focusing on the development of both the established and emerging disciplines to reach new audiences and increase levels of exposure year on year."

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