The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the global governing body for skiing and snowboarding, issued a statement today mourning the death of Robert Redford, the legendary actor, director, and lifelong advocate for the sport who passed away at age 89. Redford, best known for his starring role in the seminal 1969 film Downhill Racer, died peacefully at his Sundance Mountain Resort home in Utah, surrounded by family.
FIS President Johan Eliasch expressed profound sadness in an official tribute, highlighting Redford’s enduring impact on ski racing and the broader winter sports community. “Robert Redford was more than a Hollywood superstar; he was a true ambassador for skiing, bringing its thrill and beauty to audiences worldwide through Downhill Racer,” Eliasch said. “His portrayal of the intense world of competitive downhill skiing captured the sport’s raw energy and helped elevate its global profile during a pivotal era. We at FIS are deeply saddened by his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the Sundance community.”
Redford’s connection to skiing ran deep, far beyond the silver screen. In 1969, the same year Downhill Racer premiered, he purchased the Timp Haven ski area in Provo Canyon, Utah, transforming it into the Sundance Mountain Resort—a haven that blended art, nature, and recreation, reflecting his passion for the mountains and environmental stewardship. The resort, which hosted skiing events and inspired generations of athletes and filmmakers, became a symbol of Redford’s commitment to preserving the landscapes that define the sport. As Redford once shared, “Sundance is a place where art, nature, and recreation come together to make the world a better place.”
The film Downhill Racer, directed by Michael Ritchie and based on Oakley Hall’s novel The Downhill Racers, followed the story of ambitious American skier David Chappellet, played by Redford, as he navigated the high-stakes world of international competitions. Shot on location at major World Cup events like the Lauberhorn in Wengen and the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel, the movie provided an authentic glimpse into the life of elite ski racers. Redford, who immersed himself in the U.S. Ski Team’s preparations for the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble to prepare for the role, not only starred but also produced, ensuring the film’s realism. It remains a classic that introduced many to the adrenaline-fueled drama of FIS-sanctioned events.
Redford’s influence extended to inspiring athletes and promoting skiing’s cultural significance. Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn, who recently paid her own tribute to Redford, echoed the sentiment of loss felt across the skiing world, recalling their personal connection and shared dreams of continuing the Downhill Racer legacy. “He was the only person that could make ski racing so cool,” Vonn wrote, noting Redford’s encouragement for her and others to pursue their passions.
Tributes have poured in from across Hollywood and the sports world, with co-stars like Jane Fonda and Meryl Streep remembering Redford as a “beautiful” friend and a “lion” of cinema. The Sundance Institute, which Redford founded to champion independent filmmaking, described him as an “artistic gamechanger” whose vision redefined cinema and inspired generations.
FIS joins the global community in celebrating Redford’s legacy, which intertwined entertainment, environmental advocacy, and the spirit of skiing. “His love for the land and the thrill of the slopes will continue to inspire our athletes and fans for years to come,” Eliasch concluded. Details on memorial services are pending, with the family requesting privacy during this time.
