Tributes have been paid to Alpine skiing pioneer Bob Beattie ©USS

Tributes have been paid to Alpine skiing pioneer Bob Beattie after his death at the age of 85.

The American was an icon of the sport and co-founded the Alpine Skiing World Cup in 1966.

He was also the founding coach of the United States ski team and a well known commentator who called the action at four Winter Olympic Games.

"Beattie was a driving force for ski racing his entire life and among sport leaders who built Alpine skiing into one of the pillar events at the Olympic Winter Games," an International Ski Federation (FIS) statement said.

Bob Beattie, centre, helped found the Alpine Skiing World Cup ©USS
Bob Beattie, centre, helped found the Alpine Skiing World Cup ©USS

"FIS would like to express its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bob Beattie, whose significant commitment and contributions to the sport of skiing will be long remembered."

In 1966, Beattie joined forced with journalist Serge Lang and French coach Honorė Bonnet to align the leading Alpine races around the globe, forming the first FIS World Cup circuit.

At last year's World Cup Finals in Aspen in the US, he was a focal point of 50-season celebrations.