The 3rd edition of World Snow Day took place in spectacular fashion on 19th January 2014. Globally, 610 Organisers in 35 countries staged unique events in a friendly and fun environment to celebrate all things on snow.
World Snow Day once again saw a huge range of different snow-related activities throughout the events. Of particular note is that eight nations: Austria, Canada, France, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Poland and Sweden all staged nationwide events.
Examples of these included the: ‘Apen Bakke’ (Open Day) in Norway, where 72 resorts opened their doors to an estimated 130,000 participants for free skiing and snowboarding; School snow sports concept in Austria had 138 resorts offer school children the chance to try snow sports for as little as five Euros.
In addition, the Canadian Ski Patrol World Snow Day hosted 20 events across the country to show children the fun of snow sports with an emphasis on safety. World Snow Day Iceland had seven ski resorts hosting free or discounted ski passes for families. Latvia World Snow Day saw 55 events take place with lessons, safety demonstrations and fun races included. Children visiting the resorts of Cortina d’Ampezzo (ITA), Chamonix (FRA), Kitzbühel (AUT), Lech / Zürs (AUT) and St. Anton am Arlberg (AUT) a full snow experience that includes free lift passes for children up to the age of nine.
Other notable events included a snow festival in Zermatt (SUI); Children’s snow carnival with free lessons, lift passes and fun races in Obergurgl (AUT), free ski and snowboard lessons from 37 ski and snowboard schools in Poland; ‘Everybody on Snow’ with various snow activities and free lessons in Stockholm, Norrkoping and Ornskoldsvik (SWE); ‘Mountain in the City’ in Québec City (CAN); a free children’s mountain tour in Bariloche (ARG) and free ski lessons at the Ski deck indoor ski slope Johannesburg (RSA).
FIS President Gian Franco Kasper said, "This edition of World Snow Day has been the biggest yet. Through their events, Organisers have shown that snow sports are accessible and affordable. Their dedication and creativity has been amazing. We hope all the children and families that took part had an exciting day that they will remember for years to come."
FIS would also like to thank its World Snow Day partners Audi, European Broadcasting Union, Eurosport, Infront Sports & Media, Best of the Alps, Sanetta and the World and European Sporting Goods Industry, for their support in making World Snow Day a success.
For more on the International Ski Federation, please visit http://www.fis-ski.com/.