After a successful first edition, the European Week of Winter Sport (EWWS) returns from 1 to 8 February 2026 for another week of exciting winter activities. Events will take place across Europe, promoting winter sports beyond competitions, making them more inclusive and accessible, and strengthening the connection between winter sports and sustainability.
Co-funded by the European Union, the initiative is led by nine organisations from eight countries, working together to surpass the success of the 2025 edition. Last year, 36 events were held across more than 10 countries, involving over 2,100 participants. In 2026, organisers aim to expand the number of events and locations, engage new partners, and broaden the promotion and dissemination of the campaign. Notable examples from last year include the European Universities Winter Sports Championships and the EUSA Winter Forum, both held in Val di Zoldo in December.
At the Championships, over 300 athletes competed in Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Volleyball against the stunning backdrop of the Dolomites. Participants from 16 European countries, representing 57 universities, demonstrated outstanding talent and sportsmanship, delivering thrilling performances on both slopes and courts. Every race and match brought excitement, surprises, and standout moments, creating unforgettable experiences filled with energy and adrenaline.
During the same period, the EUSA Winter Forum 2025, titled “University Winter Sports at a Crossroads: Current Challenges and Opportunities”, gathered over 40 athletes, officials, EUSA Executive Committee members, and distinguished guests. In line with EWWS goals, the Forum addressed current challenges in university winter sports, explored new opportunities for growth and innovation, and reinforced winter sports programs at universities across Europe.
The EWWS campaign was presented by Andrej Pisl, EUSA Director of Projects and Policy, during a roundtable discussion on “Building Cooperation Across Borders”. The discussion highlighted common challenges faced by European universities in winter sports—from participation and funding to sustainability and climate change—and emphasised that cooperation is key to finding solutions.
Whether through large-scale international events or smaller initiatives such as developing new winter sport disciplines or fun, social-focused activities, these efforts are powerful tools to promote winter sports, increase student engagement, and make winter sports more sustainable and inclusive. This remains the key message of the EWWS panel discussions and reflects the initiative’s core vision.
As the 2026 edition unfolds, the European Week of Winter Sport continues to make winter sports more exciting, accessible, and inclusive for all.
References:
https://www.eusa.eu/eusa-winter-forum-2025
https://www.eusa.eu/euc-winter-sports-2025-officially-concluded
