World Snow Day

Categories:: Fun
Tags:: Activities Children Sports
Where:: World
Date change rule:: 3rd Sunday of January
Holiday emoji:: ⛷️

World Snow Day encourages children and families to embrace the magic of winter sports every third Sunday in January. Created by the International Ski Federation, this global event aims to increase participation in activities like skiing and snowboarding. Grab your gear, hit the slopes, or find a local snow event to join the frosty fun!

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Expected World Snow Day Deals

As World Snow Day approaches, families can anticipate promotions from major winter sports retailers and resorts. In previous years, brands like Burton offered discounts on snowboards and apparel, while REI featured sales on winter gear and clothing. Ski resorts such as Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company often provide special family packages or discounted lift tickets for the weekend. Local ski shops and outdoor outfitters may also run promotions on rentals and lessons. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 18 approaches.

Platform Guide for World Snow Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WorldSnowDay. Share photos and videos of your family enjoying snow activities, from building snowmen to hitting the slopes.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #WorldSnowDay. Create short, fun videos showcasing snow sport skills, winter fashion, or creative snow art.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldSnowDay. Join the global conversation by sharing news about local events, winter safety tips, and favorite snow memories.

World Snow Day Hero

Jake Burton Carpenter

Jake Burton Carpenter (1954–2019) was an American snowboarder and founder of Burton Snowboards. Often credited with inventing the modern snowboard, he dedicated his life to developing the sport and making it accessible globally. His innovations and advocacy were crucial in transforming snowboarding from a backyard pastime into a recognized Olympic sport, inspiring millions to embrace winter recreation.

History of World Snow Day

The first official celebration of World Snow Day kicked off in January 2012, as phase two of the International Ski Federation’s campaign ‘Bring Children to the Snow’ (which began in 2007). The idea behind it was to have the world’s biggest snow day, bringing together people all over the world as they hit the slopes to ‘enjoy, experience and explore’ the wonders snow and snow-related activities have to offer. The purpose of the campaign is twofold — one is to increase the numbers of participants in snow sports like skiing and snowboarding, and the other is to ensure that children and their families create lasting memories of the wonders of snow. The endeavor has met with so much success since it began that a variety of industries now work together to plan for and provide snow activities for kids (and their families).

First founded in 1910, when 22 delegates from 10 different nations came together to form the International Skiing Commission in Christiania, Norway, the group formally changed its name to FIS in 1924. Today, more than 180 national skiing organizations are members of the group. Based in Switzerland, FIS is responsible for a range of snow-related activities from different styles of skiing to snowboarding. According to the late FIS President Gian Franco Kasper, “The children are our future. Each and every season we see children taking to snow sports for the first time. Whether they will grow up to be top skiers is not what matters – what we want is to watch them grow with skiing and snowboarding as part of their lives.” This is the vision with which the campaign was launched, and it not only gives children a chance to experience the fun of snow activities, it also educates them on snow safety, the health benefits of physical activity, and the environment. All this, while getting a chance to play in the snow, has us sold.

World Snow Day timeline

5100 B.C.

Oldest Skis

Skis dating back millennia have been found in Scandinavia, as have rock carvings depicting skiing.

1206

Noble Skiers Create a Legacy

Two-year-old Prince Haakon Haakonsson, the heir to the throne of Norway, is escorted to safety by the Birkebeiners; the journey is immortalized with a skiing race.

1883

Cross-Country Skiing and Ski Jumping are Invented

Cross-country skiing and jumping events are developed and the first women’s race also occurs.

1910

First International Skiing Commission Formed

On February 18, the first International Skiing Commission is formed in Norway.

2012

First-Ever World Snow Day is Celebrated

FIS holds the first celebration of World Snow Day on January 15, with organizations all over the world taking part.

How Businesses Can Celebrate World Snow Day

Local businesses can celebrate World Snow Day by hosting family-friendly winter events, such as sledding competitions or ice-sculpting contests. Ski resorts and outdoor gear shops can offer special discounts on equipment rentals, lessons, or lift tickets to encourage new participants. Restaurants and cafes might feature winter-themed menus or hot beverage specials to warm up guests after a day in the snow, creating a festive atmosphere for all.

World Snow Day FAQs

When is World Snow Day?

In 2027, World Snow Day will be observed on Sunday, January 17, marking another opportunity for global participation in snow-related fun. This annual event consistently brings communities together for winter recreation.

How many people participate in snow sports?

The appeal of snow sports continues to grow, with estimates suggesting over 130 million skiers and snowboarders worldwide. World Snow Day plays a significant role in fostering this participation, especially among younger generations.

What is the purpose of World Snow Day?

World Snow Day serves as a global initiative by the International Ski Federation (FIS) to promote the benefits of snow and winter sports. It highlights the importance of outdoor activity, healthy lifestyles, and environmental awareness related to snowy landscapes.

Is World Snow Day celebrated internationally?

As a global initiative, World Snow Day sees participation from over 40 countries, with hundreds of events organized each year. These range from free ski lessons and sledding parties to snow safety workshops and environmental education programs.

How to Celebrate World Snow Day

Head for the slopes
There is no time like the present to seize the day and go on that family ski trip you have been planning for ages. Find the nearest snowy destination and pack those bags, and enjoy a picture-perfect winter getaway with loved ones.
Make your own snow day
Stuck in a location where snow is a distant dream? Don’t let that stop you from doing what you can, as some D.I.Y. with a sprinkle of imagination can help you and your family create your own World Snow Day memories (until the real thing becomes a possibility). Some ideas to get you started include: snow-themed treats like snow cones or shaved ice desserts, backyard skiing, or watching the Winter Olympics or snow sports movies together.
Partner with a cause
Many snow sports are affiliated with certain causes, for example, skiing for cancer. Partner up with either your local community to hold an event to fundraise for a cause, or join a larger network of organizations doing so already. Either way, it’s a great chance to contribute to something meaningful.

5 Facts About Snow That May Break The Ice

Snow is not white
Looks like the fairytale princess was erroneously named Snow White since snow is, in fact, translucent and appears white to our eyes thanks to refraction.
Snowflakes are not all unique
We hate to burst your bubble, but in 1988, scientist Nancy Knight discovered two nearly identical snowflakes, showing that they may not all be completely unique.
Fear of snow is a thing
The proper term for this fear of snow is known as chionophobia.
Snowflakes are six-sided
Every snowflake has six sides to it because it’s the only way that the hydrogen and oxygen molecules can fit together.
Yodelling does not cause avalanches
Yodellers can breathe a sigh of relief, for sound is not what causes avalanches to occur; it usually depends more on sudden snowfall or increased wind speed.

Why We Love World Snow Day

Health Benefits
Like with most physical outdoor activities, the health benefits are obvious and widely known. However, what sets snow sports and activities apart is the wonder and beauty of the snow itself, which the environment provides. There is nothing quite like it, and no amount of virtual reality can detract from the real deal and invigorating experience of fresh mountain air whooshing past you.
Education and the environment
World Snow Day is also an opportunity for industry stakeholders like schools to teach children valuable lessons on snow safety and the environment. The rules set by the FIS educate children on safety on and off the snow, as well as highlight the need to conserve the environment so that snow can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Fun for the whole family
Not only does a holiday like this bring the whole family together, but it also serves to unite families all over the world. The planning and involvement of a multiplicity of stakeholders ensure that there is something for everyone to participate in, so that only the best memories are made.