Organised Alpine skiing turns 100 Thursday as February 18 marks the centennial of the founding of the International Ski Commission (CIS), the predecessor organisation of the International Ski Federation (FIS).

"Since the anniversary falls in the hectic period of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the FIS will mark the occasion with an announcement but will save the celebrating until May," Riikka Rakic, FIS communication manager, said.

FIS conducts the Alpine skiing events of the Olympic Winter Games according to the rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The FIS also administers the World Cup and World Championships Alpine skiing copetitions.

One of FIS's fundamental aims is to "promote the sport of skiing and to supervise and direct the development of all skiing activities", Rakic said.

On February 18, 1910, The CIS was formed in Christano, Norway with only 10 member associations. Today, FIS has 107 member associations.