Richard Bunn believes the FIS must attract more young people ©FIS

International Ski Federation (FIS) television consultant Richard Bunn believes one of the major challenges facing the organisation is attracting greater numbers of young people towards snow sports.

The FIS launched a new official mobile application in December, which was hailed as "an important step forward to present and promote the sport of skiing".

The app, available on both Android and iOS devices, offers fans "an entirely new experience to follow FIS competitions and related content and news", the governing body has claimed.

Bunn believes concepts such as this are vital in connecting with a youthful audience.

"As with all sports, the challenge is to attract participation among the young," he said.

"Participation is essential both in terms of practising the sport, but also in identifying with the athletes and watching them perform.

"The growth of social media has changed the way young people communicate, produce and consume content and the challenge is to find ways to present the FIS product in an appealing and relevant way.

"This means a multi-platform approach and introduction of the FIS App is a promising start."

The International Ski Federation launched its own app in December ©FIS
The International Ski Federation launched its own app in December ©FIS

Bunn went onto say that it is paramount that the FIS continue to develop and embrace the technology available to them and their fans in order to boost interest in the sport.

"Technology is creating constant change in the way that we communicate, share ideas and experiences, and also do business," he said.

"The world has never been so competitive. 

"FIS must grasp this new technology and use it in the most effective way to increase the interest and participation in snow sports, particularly in new markets, while maintaining the appeal and relevance in established markets."