A study led by LUNEX University builds on EWWS data to map challenges and best practices for sustainable winter sport events.
A new peer-reviewed article by Igor Perechuda (Department of Management, LUNEX University of Applied Sciences, Luxembourg; Luxembourg Health & Sport Sciences Research Institute A.s.b.l.) has been published, drawing on evidence gathered within the European Week of Winter Sport (EWWS) community.
Titled “Are we able to have sustainable winter sports events? Main challenges and future directions,” the paper combines a scoping review with a survey of 51 winter sports organisers across Europe (clubs, federations, event operators). It examines what makes sustainability feasible for small and medium, non-mega winter events and where the biggest gaps remain.
Key insights
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Two perspectives, one goal: while policy bodies promote unified sustainability frameworks, grassroots organisers prioritise operational constraints (budgets, staff, infrastructure, weather risk).
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Top challenges: financial resources, infrastructure limits, unpredictable weather, human resources, and sustainable snow management.
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Willingness matters: organisers more willing to adopt sustainability perceive environmental issues (e.g., transport, supply chain, snow management) as more salient—suggesting awareness and capacity building are pivotal.
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Best practices exist but are uneven: progress on social/governance and waste is stronger; mobility/air pollution and finance/infrastructure remain under-served. Tailored support and local-level partnerships are essential.
“The study highlights a persistent gap between top-down frameworks and the realities faced by local organisers. Bridging it requires context-sensitive tools, funding pathways, and stronger public–private collaboration.” — EWWS Coordination Team
Why this matters for EWWS
EWWS is a decentralised European initiative (1–8 February 2026) that supports local winter-sport activities with shared visibility and resources. These findings directly inform how EWWS designs practical guidance, training, and toolkits for event hosts—especially small clubs and municipalities operating with tight budgets and changing weather patterns.
