18. January 2022

Photo credit: Euroski Gold

On Sunday, 16th January, the 11th edition of World Snow Day was successfully staged.

For this edition of World Snow Day 148 events in 42 countries took place. Organisers once again faced the challenge of COVID-19, but this didn’t dampen the spirit of the participants around the globe.
In total, 141 events in 41 countries were held.

“Given the scale of the challenges, it is amazing what the Organisers have achieved. We are sorry for those who had to cancel or were not able to participate. FIS will continue to work and support you no matter the outcome.” said FIS Secretary General, Michel Vion.

Amongst the events there were several creative initiatives, including:

• SkiStar resorts of Trysil, Hemsedal, Sälen, Are and Vemdalen offering free lift passes to all local residents
• Ski Resorts of Serbia members Kopanik, Zlatibor and Stara Planina offering 50% off lift passes for all visitors
• Free ski and snowboard lessons by 17 ski and snowboard schools throughout Poland
• Free access to cross country trails in Winterpark (USA) and Le Club de Ski de Fond d’Evian (CAN)
• Free sandboarding lessons in Aucallama (PER), Paracuru (BRA) and La Paz Baja (MEX),
• Environmental lessons mixed with snow fun in Strathcona (CAN)
• Safety games and demonstrations by ski patrollers in Furano (JPN)
• 8 ski and snowboard schools and clubs in Russia and Romania teaming up to offer a full day of snow sports for free to children with an intellectual and physical disability.

World Snow Day also introduced two new major initiatives.
The first is the Special Olympics 10. Created in conjunction with Special Olympics 10, the guide sets out the steps in which snow sports stakeholders should follow to accommodate more persons with an intellectual disability.

The second action is the Mountain 10. The Mountain 10 was developed in conjunction with the United Nations, International Olympic Committee and 10 other sports federations who conduct their activities in the mountains. The ten steps are the basis for any activities in the mountains whether it be from guests visiting, residents or companies operating in alpine regions.
Finally, in conjunction with Atomic Skis, the fourth edition of #atomicsnowday took place. One full family set of cross-country skis and one set of alpine skies were given away to two lucky families as part of the World Snow Day celebrations.

All in all, World Snow Day 2022 was another success. FIS will present the World Snow Day Final Report in April after receiving feedback from the participants.

The 12th edition of World Snow Day will take place on 15th January 2023.