Eliasch was re-elected unopposed for a four-year term in May, although controversy surrounded the decision with Austria, Germany, Croatia and Switzerland claiming that there should have been an option to vote against him.

Last month, the Court of Arbitration for Sport heard an appeal against the re-election, with a verdict expected later this year.

In his message, Eliasch described 2022 as a "great year" despite it featuring what he called "a fair share of challenges."

"COVID continues to have a chilling effect but - thanks to the hard work of local organisers, and to the FIS Covid Protocol - most events were able to run smoothly," he said.

"When National Ski Associations and local organisers were hit financially, FIS was glad to step in and help, making special distributions totalling almost CHF10 million (£8.9 million/$10.8 million/€10.1 million.

"In difficult times, we in the snow sports community stick together."

The FIS said that more than 7,000 events were held across 50 countries during the 2021-2022 season.

Eliasch also reflected on the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, which he described as "a very special highlight."

"Anyone who witnessed those extraordinary performances in Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou will never forget the magic or the spectacle - and the story did not end there," he said.

"Thanks to careful planning, these sites will continue and the power of these Games will endure.

"In order to be a part of that legacy, we established the FIS China Liaison Office in Beijing, helping to support China in its goal of attracting 300 million people to winter sports."

During the past year, the FIS welcomed Niklas Carlsson as its deputy secretary general, and also started work on its strategic plan.

Eliasch said the plan aimed to "guide the FIS to a strong future", and added that the plan was currently being consulted on by members.

Eliasch spoke of his target of protecting snow sports and ensuring they were open to all.

"That is why I am so proud that this year we transferred the management of three Para snow sports (Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboard) from the International Paralympic Committee to FIS," he said.

"We welcome these new athletes to the FIS family - and in a bid to welcome more young people to the sport we held our 11th World Snow Day, part of our Bring Children to the Snow initiative.

"With 148 events in 42 countries, thousands of children and young people experienced the joy of learning, racing and having fun in the snow."

Eliasch concluded by thanking everyone involved for their efforts during 2022, and said he was confident that the International Ski and Snowboard Federation would remain "exciting, forward-looking, inclusive and diverse."