What A Milestone: Snowkidz Reaches 5000 Events And Actions
SnowKidz has a seen a quick rise after its relaunch in 2013. Within three years of going live, the programme rose to over 5000 events and actions in one season. By 2018, the programme rose to 800 events and actions in a 12 month period.
The success of SnowKidz can be attributed to five key factors. They are the dedication of the Event Organisers, the direct line of communication to FIS, flexibility in the timing of events, equal opportunity to all Organisers no matter their size or stature and the support features themselves.
“I had the privilege of being on the FIS Council when FIS began the SnowKidz programme in 2009. At the time we did not imagine the programme would reach the 5’000 milestone so quickly. It really is a testament to the motivation of the snow sports community. Chapeau bas.” said FIS Secretary General Michel Vion.
In the journey to reach 5’000 events and actions, SnowKidz has some wide reaching, creative and impactful actions. Amongst them is the Grade 4 & 5 Snowpass which sees all students in Grade 4 & 5 in Canada receive 2 days of skiing or snowboarding at multiple resorts throughout Canada for just $29.95. Equally impactful is Japan’s “Snow4Free” program operated by the Prince Hotels. In this programme all kids 12 and under ski for free at 12 Prince Hotels ski resorts in Japan. Complementing these actions are eight titans of SnowKidz, SKI4ALL (POR), School Promotion Program (ESP), Everyone on Snow (SWE), Snow Moves! (FIN), SnowKidz Czech (CZE), Tiroler Schulskitage (AUT) and the Brietensport programmes of the Swiss-ski. Each of these programmes have set up season long tours which target school kids throughout their respective countries. Working with schools and embedding skiing and snowboarding into the school system has yielded strong results. The above-mentioned programs account for 51% of the 4.6 million children who have been brought to the snow since SnowKidz began.
Looking to the future and SnowKidz is on track for continued success. According to the latest annual report SnowKidz will most likely fulfill its goal of 6’000 events and actions by 2025, reach its event retention goal of 85% and fulfil its secondary goals in environmental conservation and safety. To add to this SnowKidz will be adding new support features to assist Organisers. These include the Mountain 10, Special Olympics 10 and SnowKidz Shred Parks.
FIS would like to thank all the Organisers, partners, sponsors, fans and most importantly event participants for their continued support in SnowKidz. They look forward to sharing the next SnowKidz 5’000 events with you.
