Occupying the entire ground floor of the newly-erected Nonntal 10 building, the headquarters have space for a reception area and offices for FIL President Josef Fendt, executive director Christoph Schweiger and several employees of the world governing body.

A designated meeting room can accommodate up to 14 people, while an area has been reserved for the FIL’s "Hall of Fame".

The new premises also have an underground car park, a lift, and private rooms which hold the FIL archive.

The previous FIL office had been located in an old building just 150 metres from the new building since January 22, 1993.

In his opening speech at the inauguration, Fendt looked back at the opening of the old FIL office more than 20 years ago.

The German welcomed Franz Rasp, the Mayor of Berchtesgaden, and Rudolf Schaupp, deputy district administrator of the region.

Delegates from the German Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton Federation were also present along with all members of the FIL Executive Board.

The Board came together beforehand for their first meeting in the new office. 

Staff offices of the International Biathlon Union and of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation are located just across the Austrian border in Salzburg and Großgmain.

The FIL will use the new office to hone their preparations for the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games, which are due to take place from February 9 to 25.

Berchtesgaden is near to the Königssee sliding track, one of the premier venues for the sports of luge, bobsleigh and skeleton.

In October, the FIL said their new home would "have all the space and facilities required to ensure that our employees can continue to provide a professional service for our member associations and partners".