World Snow Day
January 17, 2027
World Snow Day is an annual event organised by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), celebrated on the third Sunday of January each year. In 2027, it falls on Sunday, 17 January. The day aims to introduce children and families to snow sports and outdoor winter activities, promoting an active lifestyle and an appreciation for winter environments.
What is World Snow Day?
World Snow Day is the flagship event of the FIS’s “Bring Children to the Snow” campaign. Launched in 2012, it encourages ski resorts, clubs, and organisations worldwide to host free or low-cost events that give young people their first taste of skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and other snow activities. The day also raises awareness about the importance of snow environments in the context of climate change, as warming temperatures threaten snowfall patterns and winter sports seasons globally.
When is World Snow Day?
World Snow Day is observed on the third Sunday of January. In 2027, that falls on Sunday, 17 January. Because the date shifts each year, here are the upcoming dates:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Sunday, 17 January |
| 2028 | Sunday, 16 January |
| 2029 | Sunday, 21 January |
| 2030 | Sunday, 20 January |
| 2031 | Sunday, 19 January |
Why World Snow Day Matters
Snow sports participation among young people has been declining in many countries, with cost, accessibility, and changing weather patterns all contributing factors. The FIS launched World Snow Day specifically to reverse this trend, recognising that introducing children to snow activities early creates lifelong participants and advocates for winter environments. Climate change adds urgency — as average global temperatures rise, snowfall seasons are shortening and snow lines are retreating. World Snow Day serves as both a celebration of winter and a reminder that snowy landscapes require protection.
How to Get Involved in World Snow Day
World Snow Day events take place across dozens of countries. Here is how to participate:
- Find an official event near you — The FIS maintains a list of registered World Snow Day events on their website, spanning ski resorts, clubs, and community organisations across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond.
- Try a snow sport for the first time — Many resorts offer free or discounted beginner lessons on World Snow Day. It is the perfect opportunity to try skiing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing.
- Take children to the snow — The day’s core mission is introducing young people to snow. If you live near mountains or a ski area, take a child for their first snow experience.
- Build a snowman or have a snowball fight — Not everyone lives near a ski resort. If you have snow where you are, simple outdoor play counts too.
- Learn about snow science — Explore the fascinating science of snowflakes, avalanches, and glaciology. Museums and science centres often host special exhibits around this time.
- Support winter sports charities — Organisations that provide snow sport access to underprivileged youth, such as the Chill Foundation, welcome donations and volunteers.
- Share your snow day on social media — Post photos and videos of your snow activities with the official hashtag to help spread the word globally.
History of World Snow Day
World Snow Day was launched by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in January 2012 as part of its “Bring Children to the Snow” initiative. The FIS, founded in 1924 and headquartered in Oberhofen, Switzerland, is the international governing body for skiing and snowboarding, overseeing Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, Nordic combined, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding.
The first World Snow Day in 2012 saw events in 20 countries, attracting approximately 200,000 participants. By subsequent years, the event had grown to over 40 countries with more than 700 registered events annually. Participating organisations range from major alpine resorts to small community clubs and schools.
The initiative was driven by research showing declining participation rates in snow sports among young people in many traditional winter sport nations. By removing barriers — offering free lift passes, equipment rental, and lessons — World Snow Day aims to create a new generation of winter sport enthusiasts and environmental advocates.
Noteworthy Facts About World Snow Day
- The first World Snow Day in 2012 attracted approximately 200,000 participants across 20 countries.
- The FIS, which organises World Snow Day, was founded in 1924 and governs international skiing and snowboarding competitions.
- No two snowflakes are exactly alike — each crystal forms a unique hexagonal pattern as it falls through the atmosphere.
- Approximately 2 billion people worldwide live in areas that receive seasonal snow cover.
- The deepest snowfall ever recorded in a single season was at Mount Baker, Washington State, USA, which received 2,896 cm (95 feet) of snow in the 1998-99 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World Snow Day?
World Snow Day is an annual event by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), held on the third Sunday of January. It introduces children and families to snow sports and promotes appreciation of winter environments.
When is World Snow Day in 2027?
World Snow Day falls on Sunday, 17 January 2027.
Who organises World Snow Day?
World Snow Day is organised by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the international governing body for skiing and snowboarding, headquartered in Switzerland.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing World Snow Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #WorldSnowDay and #WorldSnowDay2027 on social media. The more families that discover winter sports, the stronger the future of snow culture and environmental advocacy.
Related Awareness Days
- World Wetlands Day — Celebrated on 2 February, this day highlights the importance of wetland ecosystems, which are closely linked to snow melt and water cycles.
- Blue Monday — Observed on the third Monday of January, this day acknowledges the winter blues and encourages people to get active.
- Walk Your Dog Month — January is also Walk Your Dog Month, another incentive to get outdoors during winter.
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