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Project

European Week of Winter Sports

The European Week of Winter Sport (EWWS) project is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to celebrating the thrill of winter sports while advancing sustainability practices across Europe.

A Co-Funded European Union project. 

By uniting sports organizations, universities, and local authorities, the project highlights the excitement and benefits of winter activities while promoting sustainability. We aim to raise awareness about the environmental impact of winter sports, encouraging responsible outdoor enjoyment.

The Goals of the Project

Click to each of the pictures and discover the main goals of this project. 

Promoting Sustainability

Through educational initiatives, awareness campaigns, and practical interventions, we aim to foster a culture of sustainability within the winter sports community.

Encouraging Participation

By removing barriers to access, providing inclusive programming, and promoting the benefits of physical activity, we aim to inspire more people to engage in winter sports and adopt active lifestyles.

Fostering Collaboration

By facilitating knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and building partnerships, we seek to leverage collective expertise and resources to advance the goals of sustainability and active living in winter sports.

Raising Awareness

Through targeted communication campaigns, educational materials, and public events, we seek to inform and engage a wide audience, empowering individuals to make informed choices and take positive action towards sustainability.

Evaluating Impact

Through rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes, we will assess the outcomes of our activities, measure progress towards our goals, and identify areas for improvement.

Creating Sustainable Solutions

We aim to discuss and consider solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of winter sports and promote long-term sustainability.

Target groups of the project

  • Sports Clubs and Associations
  • Educational Institutions
  • Local Communities and Municipalities

Main actions

Identifying Needs, Challenges, and Resources

We have developed extensive reports to better understand the sustainability landscape of winter sports and address the pressing environmental challenges they pose. These reports aim to gather best practices, assess the current state of winter sports events, and highlight ways to reduce their environmental footprint.

1. Research on Environmental Impact of Winter Sports

The Kilian Jornet Foundation’s report explores the multidimensional effects of winter sports, particularly on climate change and environmental degradation.

Key Findings

Climate Change Impact

Transportation linked to winter sports tourism results in high CO2 emissions. The operation of ski resorts and accommodation facilities also contributes to environmental stress through energy consumption and resource use.

Environmental Degradation

The construction and maintenance of winter sports facilities lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and changes in local biodiversity. Snowmaking practices further strain water resources and energy supplies, while light pollution affects natural ecosystems.

Economic and Social Dimensions

The report explores the economic costs of artificial snow production and facility operations, and the local economic impacts in different countries. It also discusses the social effects of winter sports, including long-term participation trends and climate awareness.

2. Collection of Best Sustainable Practices

A curated selection of successful sustainable initiatives from winter sports events across Europe showcases how sustainability can be integrated into sports activities.

3. Assessment of Federations’ Challenges and Needs

The consortium’s research also investigates the obstacles faced by winter sports federations, identifying key areas for development and capacity building to enhance their ability to host sustainable events.

Supporting Sport Associations and Municipalities

Our initiative aims to help sport associations and municipalities organise sustainable winter sports events during the European Week of Winter Sport (#BeWinterActive).

We provide guidance through the Ideation and Implementation of EWoWS, offering strategies for hosting impactful events that promote winter sports and sustainability. To support this, we’ve developed a Toolkit and Guide with comprehensive resources, along with a Video-Tutorial Series on creating engaging, sustainable promotional content.

Additionally, we host an International Workshop to train sport clubs and municipalities in sustainable event practices. This is complemented by Local Pilot Events led by EWoWS Ambassadors and Local Workshops across Europe, offering hands-on training to ensure sustainability is embedded in winter sports activities.

Raising Awareness About Climate Change and Sustainability

We are committed to educating the public and stakeholders on the importance of sustainability in winter sports through dynamic campaigns and events.

A Video-Tutorial Series on organising zero-impact winter sports events offers practical guidance on minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, a Compendium of Good Practices provides a detailed guide to sustainable sports event planning, featuring successful case studies and strategies.

Our Social Media Campaign promotes sustainability in winter sports, engaging a wide audience. To further encourage innovation, the EWoWS Contest will recognize top promotional videos and sustainable solutions, celebrating creative approaches to eco-friendly winter sports events

Keep you informed about the project here

PROJECT PARTNERS

L’Orma

Deporte para la Educación y la Salud

Bulgarian Sports Development Association

Ski Club Rijeka

European University Sports Association (EUSA)

NGO NEST Berlin

 

Project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.