Twenty-four countries were represented at the International Ski Federation's annual Leaders' Seminar in Brussels ©FIS

Twenty-four countries were represented at the International Ski Federation's (FIS) annual Leaders' Seminar in Brussels.

In all 45-people took part across two days in the Belgian capital, with presentations and workshops part of the agenda.

The main theme was how athletes can make the jump from Continental Cup level to the top-tier World Cup circuits. 

This prompted lively discussions on how the transition from "good to excellent" can be made.

Lecturers included FIS Technical and Ladies European Cup coordinator Janez Flere, Belgian Alpine skier Karen Persyn, Armenian Ski Association secretary general Gagik Sargsyan, cross-country coach Claudia Casanova and Royal Belgian Ski Federation secretary general Lode Nolf.

FIS secretary general Sarah Lewis updated the FIS Development Programme leaders about activities since the organisation's Calendar Conference in May.

Belgian Alpine skier Karen Persyn was among the speakers ©FIS
Belgian Alpine skier Karen Persyn was among the speakers ©FIS

She also looked forward to the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics in February.

The Leaders' Seminar was the first official FIS meeting held by the Belgian governing body.

It is now hoped that participants can put into practice what they learnt in their home countries to help continue the growth of skiing. 

"This year's Leaders' Seminar was very well received with a very relevant topic for the participants," said Alfons Hoermann, the chairman of the FIS Development Programme working group.

"We had great engagement both during the workshops and in the more informal settings and enjoyed a fruitful few days. 

"I would like to thank the organisers and participants for taking the time to help grow our sport."