Ski Airbag Mandatory This Season, But Many Athletes Seek Exemptions
This season, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has made wearing ski airbags mandatory for speed disciplines like downhill and Super-G. However, many athletes, including Marco Odermatt, are allowed exemptions and will compete without them. Despite the airbags’ safety benefits, concerns remain regarding device reliability, aerodynamics, and comfort for athletes, leading some to criticize the enforcement as a ‘farce’.