Managing risks for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

A series of risk workshops were held with different departments to inform the development of Åre 2019’s Enterprise Risk Management framework. The framework encompassed each phase of the risk lifecycle – identification, analysis, evaluation and treatment – and was integrated within a wider resilience program of business continuity and crisis preparedness. Taking a proactive approach to risk and contingency planning was a key factor in ensuring a successful event.

Exonaut Risk Manager

These services were complemented with Exonaut Risk Manager, 4C’s software solution to deliver a structured, systematic and integrated approach to event-related risks. By digitalising the risk management lifecycle, the Åre 2019 leadership team received an overview of their risk status before, during and after the Championships. Exonaut Risk Manager forms part of the Exonaut readiness management platform, with fully integrated solutions for incident management, business continuity, compliance management and training and exercises.

Ensuring the continuity of critical processes

Continuity of products and services in the event of disruptions cannot be taken for granted. It requires a clear understanding of critical processes, a strong operational resilience framework, and well-exercised Business Continuity plans to minimise the impact during incidents.

Prime examples included the operation of the Åre power supply and ski lifts under all circumstances and in all weather conditions. During the preparation and construction periods, Åre 2019 conducted regular tests of crisis and contingency plans while various scenarios were discussed and verified to ensure that critical processes across the organisation would not be disrupted. The resilience frameworks were then stress tested during the 2018 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals and the 2018 FIS Junior World Championships in preparation for Åre 2019.

Delivering resilient events on a global scale

4C Strategies has extensive experience in preparing for high-profile events such as Åre 2019, and has completed similar projects with the London Olympics, Swedish royal weddings, the Eurovision Song Contest, and diplomatic visits by heads of state.

“Thanks to the extensive preparation together with 4C Strategies well before the Championships, we could rise to the occasion and further elevate our performance,” stated Niklas Carlsson.