The International Skating Union (ISU) is the worldwide governing body for Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Short Track Speed Skating and Synchronized Skating. Founded in 1892, the ISU is the oldest International Federation in winter sports. Today, it represents more than 100 Members across nearly 80 countries around the world and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Each season, the ISU delivers over 40 international competitions, with ice-skating disciplines consistently ranking among the most watched events at the Olympic Winter Games.
Since 2024, the ISU has embarked on an exciting new chapter with ISU Vision 2030 – a strategic growth plan designed to build an athlete-first, Member-friendly and fan-centric organization. This vision reflects the ISU’s commitment to honoring skating’s proud traditions while embracing innovation, governance modernization, and extensive engagement with the skating community, partners and new generations of fans worldwide.
From its “Home of Skating” Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, the ISU is driven by a dynamic and collaborative team working closely with its Members, athletes, partners and the broader Olympic movement to deliver one overarching mission: to sustainably grow and elevate ice-skating sports by prioritizing skaters, engaging fans, fostering partnerships, and inspiring communities.
United under a bold new DNA – Inspiring, Supportive, Unstoppable – the ISU is dedicated to modernizing the sport, expanding its global reach, and shaping a vibrant, safe, inclusive and forward-looking future for skating.
Join Us and Skate On, Together!
vision and mission
ISU Events
Among the activities of the ISU particular importance is given to Events which include: ISU Championships, ISU Speed Skating and Short Track Speed Skating World Cup Competitions, ISU Short Track World Tour, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Competitions, ISU International Competitions, ISU exhibitions, ISU shows, ISU tours and performances/appearances. The ISU organizes over 40 Events each Season which are listed below:
Speed Skating
- ISU Speed Skating World Cup
- ISU Speed Skating Junior World Cup
- ISU Speed Skating European Championships
- ISU Speed Skating World Championships
- ISU Speed Skating Junior World Championships
Short Track
- ISU Short Track World Tour
- ISU Short Track Junior World Cup
- ISU Short Track European Championships
- ISU Short Track Junior World Championships
- ISU Short Track World Championships
Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance
- ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series
- ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series
- ISU European Championships
- ISU Four Continents Championships
- ISU World Championships
- ISU World Junior Championships
Synchronized Skating
- ISU Synchronized Skating World Championships
- ISU Synchronized Skating Junior World Championships
- ISU Synchronized Skating Challenger Series
Membership
Membership in the ISU may be granted to a national association located in a country in which there exists no national association already being a Member of the ISU. If the Council is satisfied that the two Branches of Skating are controlled by two different associations in the same country, the Council may elect two Members from that country, one to be designated as Figure Skating Member and the other as Speed Skating Member. For further information on Membership, please consult Article 6 of the ISU Constitution and General Regulations.
ISU Development Program
The ISU has an extensive Development Program which makes financing available, within a budget set by the ISU Council to improve the quality and numbers of participants (including Officials) in competitive international Figure and Speed Skating, aid Member development programs that meet ISU criteria, aid young, talented skaters in need of support, provide experienced Coaches and sport administrators on a temporary basis to assist Members and support development initiatives identified by Members, Technical Committees, Commissions and the Council.
