On Wednesday 16 October 2024, the RFEDI (Real Federación Española de Deportes de Invierno) organised an official presentation of its national teams for the 2024-2025 season at the prestigious Espacio Movistar in Madrid. The ceremony marked an important milestone for the federation, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The event also provided the setting for the launch of an ambitious project, the Spainsnow Foundation, dedicated to supporting young athletes and sustainable development.
A 90th anniversary marked by the strengthening of national teams
The 90th anniversary of the RFEDI in 2024 marks a major milestone in the history of winter sports in Spain. Since its foundation in 1934 as the Federación Española de Esquí (FEDE), the RFEDI has evolved to become the key institution for the development of winter disciplines in Spain. Over the years, RFEDI has contributed to the rise of many Spanish champions, such as Francisco Fernández Ochoa, gold medallist at the 1972 Sapporo Olympic Games, and Blanca Fernández Ochoa, Spain’s first female Olympic medallist. These historic achievements underline the federation’s contribution to Spain’s international success in winter sports. RFEDI has also organised prestigious events such as the FIS World Championships in Sierra Nevada in 1996 and 2017, reinforcing its position on the world stage.
The history of the RFEDI reflects a constant progression, with key moments such as its name change in 1981 to include all snowsports disciplines, and its acquisition of Real status in 1999. Thanks to these developments, the federation has been able to strengthen its national teams by optimising training programmes and working with institutional and private partners.
The RFEDI took advantage of this emblematic anniversary to present the 36 athletes who will represent Spain in various winter disciplines. These national teams are made up of recognised talents in Olympic disciplines such as alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing, as well as in Paralympic events. Among these athletes, names such as Quim Salarich and Albert Ortega continue to shine and represent Spain’s hopes on the international stage.
The RFEDI plays a central role in the promotion and development of winter sports in Spain. Founded in 1924, the federation’s mission is to support top-level athletes while promoting access to sport for all. This support is expressed in particular through investment in the training of the new generation of athletes, as well as in national and international competitions.
The Spainsnow Foundation: a project for the future
One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of the Spainsnow Foundation. This new project aims to provide financial, technical and logistical support for young winter sports talent. Working with a number of partners, including Movistar, the RFEDI hopes to strengthen infrastructures and offer training programmes tailored to these young hopefuls.
As well as supporting athletes, the Foundation aims to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility. Faced with the challenges of climate change, the RFEDI wants to integrate eco-responsible practices into its competitions and infrastructure management. In this way, sport is becoming a vehicle for raising awareness of environmental issues, and the Foundation is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of winter sports activities.
The role of partners in supporting athletes
Partnerships play a key role in the success of the RFEDI. The support of Movistar, which hosted the event at the Espacio Movistar, is essential in guaranteeing ongoing resources for the national teams. Thanks to strategic collaborations, the federation can invest in athletes, improve infrastructures and offer training courses that meet international standards.
Speaking at the presentation of the national teams, May Peus, President of the Federation, said that ‘today is a special day, because we are proud to announce yet another season of national structures and teams that will be fighting for their dreams. Without a doubt, they are the real protagonists. It’s been 90 years since the creation of the Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation and 100 years since the creation of Telefónica. It’s an honour to be able to hold this event in such a special venue as the Espacio Movistar. Next week sees the start of the World Cups and we’re all looking forward to the snow and winter sports’.
The partnership with companies such as Movistar also enables the RFEDI to organise events such as this annual presentation, which are not only moments of celebration, but also opportunities to present the future ambitions of snow sport in Spain.
For his part, Rafael Fernández de Alarcón said: “It is an honour to present the team that will represent us at the 90th anniversary of the RFEDI. I am delighted that this event is taking place in the Movistar area of the Telefónica building. The President, May, and the Managing Director, Olmo, came up with a project linked to snow 8 years ago and the fruit of their work is reflected today with all the talent that is developing in our country’.
The presentation of the national teams by the RFEDI in Madrid marked a new era for winter sports in Spain. With top-level athletes ready to represent the country and the creation of the Spainsnow Foundation, the federation is committed to promoting high-quality, inclusive and sustainable sport. This 90th anniversary testifies to the RFEDI’s constant evolution and its commitment to supporting the next generation of Spanish athletes, while integrating environmental issues at the heart of its mission.
