Since the creation of World Snow Day in 2012, the project has enjoyed the support of the European Broadcasting Union. For the past three years, the EBU has incorporated the World Snow Day trailer into their television products and services.

The fourth edition of the FIS World Snow Day, on 18 January, was the biggest and most successful yet with 645 events in 45 countries and an estimated 600,000 participants.

“We are really pleased to continue for upcoming seasons our cooperation with FIS under this fantastic initiative, which is surely in line with the mission of the EBU and our public service driven Members. We all want that as many children as possible can experience the amazing world of snow and sports“ said Head of EBU Rights for Winter Sports Ingolfur Hanneson.

Events were staged in every corner of the world on all five continents. From an event in Peru, which featured snow sports on sand dunes, to the Apen Bakke in Norway that included 103 resorts across with free lift passes for the traditional Nordic nation. In addition, Canada and USA joined the fun, the Canadians holding free lessons, free lifts passes and on snow entertainment in various resorts. In Asia, one of the most popular events was staged in China with a 15 events throughout the country. South of the equator, South Africa and Argentina all staged events.

The aim of the annual World Snow Day is to get as many children and families as possible outside to explore, enjoy and experience snow sports. In its first year, World Snow Day had 225,000 people participate and is expected to more than double this year. World Snow Day is part of the FIS Bring Children to the Snow programme, which has the aim to increase participation in snow sports among the next generation.

“The increase in our World Snow Day participation is an encouraging sign for winter sports,” said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. “It shows not only is there an interest in nations to stage events to bring children closer to winter sports, but also there is interest among the next generation to actively participate in snow sports.”

World Snow Day is traditionally held the third weekend of January. This year, it coincided with one of the busiest and highest-profile weekends on the FIS calendar as it was during the FIS Freestyle and Snowboard World Championships in Kreischberg (AUT), the season highlight for Nordic Combined, the TRIPLE in Seefeld (AUT), and during the traditional Lauberhorn Alpine race in Wengen (SUI).

Athletes at all the events, including the organisers, joined in the fun on Sunday and helped celebrate World Snow Day through various activities.