World Snow Day
January 17, 2027
About World Snow Day
World Snow Day is an annual event organised by the International Ski Federation (FIS), celebrated on the third Sunday of January each year. In 2027, it falls on Sunday, 17 January. The day aims to encourage children and families to discover, enjoy, and experience snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Hundreds of events take place worldwide, many offering free or discounted access to slopes and winter activities.
What is World Snow Day?
World Snow Day is a global celebration of snow and winter sports, launched by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in 2012. The day is specifically designed to bring new participants — particularly children and young people — into snow sports. Ski resorts, clubs, schools, and communities across the world organise events ranging from free beginner skiing lessons to snowman-building competitions, sledging races, and snow-themed festivals. The emphasis is firmly on fun and accessibility rather than competition.
When is World Snow Day?
World Snow Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of January each year. In 2027, that date is Sunday, 17 January. Because it falls on a different date 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 |
How to Celebrate World Snow Day
World Snow Day is built around participation and discovery. Here’s how to get involved:
- Try skiing or snowboarding — Many ski resorts offer free or discounted beginner lessons on World Snow Day. Check local resorts and clubs for special offers. This is the perfect opportunity to give snow sports a first try.
- Take the family to the snow — Even if there’s no ski resort nearby, head to a snowy hillside for sledging, snowball fights, or building snowmen. The day is about enjoying snow in any form.
- Attend a World Snow Day event — The FIS coordinates hundreds of events in over 40 countries. Visit the official World Snow Day website to find events near you, from organised races to snow festivals and equipment demonstrations.
- Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing — These lower-impact alternatives to downhill skiing are excellent for fitness and can be enjoyed on local trails with minimal equipment.
- Learn about snow science — Explore how snowflakes form, why no two are alike, and how snow affects ecosystems. It’s a brilliant educational activity for children and adults alike.
- Support winter sport accessibility — Donate to or volunteer with organisations that make snow sports accessible to underprivileged or disabled individuals. Adaptive skiing programmes continue to grow worldwide.
- Share your snow experience — Post photos and videos of your snowy adventures on social media. Tag the official World Snow Day accounts and use the hashtags to join the global conversation.
History of World Snow Day
World Snow Day was conceived by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in November 2007 under the initial name “Bring Children to the Snow.” The campaign was developed in response to concerns about declining youth participation in snow sports across many countries. After several years of planning and pilot events, the FIS launched the first official World Snow Day on 22 January 2012.
The FIS itself was founded in 1910, when delegates from ten nations gathered in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway, to establish a governing body for skiing. Today, the FIS represents over 130 national ski associations and oversees Olympic disciplines including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding.
Since its inaugural edition, World Snow Day has grown substantially. Events now take place in over 40 countries on every inhabited continent, with more than a million participants recorded in peak years. The day has been credited with introducing hundreds of thousands of children to skiing and snowboarding for the first time, directly addressing the FIS’s core goal of growing the next generation of snow sport enthusiasts.
Noteworthy Facts About Snow
- Each snowflake is made up of around 200 ice crystals, and while they share hexagonal symmetry, the precise arrangement of molecules means no two snowflakes are structurally identical.
- The largest recorded snowflake measured 38 cm (15 inches) wide and fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, in January 1887.
- Snow appears white because the ice crystals scatter all wavelengths of visible light equally, even though ice itself is translucent.
- Over 40 countries participate in World Snow Day events each year, from traditional snow nations like Austria and Canada to less expected locations such as Turkey and South Africa.
- Approximately 12% of the Earth’s land surface is covered by snow and ice at any given time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World Snow Day?
World Snow Day is an annual event organised by the International Ski Federation (FIS) to encourage children and families to experience and enjoy snow sports. Hundreds of free events take place worldwide.
When is World Snow Day in 2027?
World Snow Day falls on Sunday, 17 January 2027. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of January each year.
Who organises World Snow Day?
World Snow Day is organised by the International Ski Federation (FIS), the international governing body for skiing and snowboarding, which was founded in 1910.
Spread the Word
Help promote snow sports by sharing World Snow Day with your network using #WorldSnowDay and #WorldSnowDay2027. Whether you hit the slopes or build a snowman in the garden, every moment on the snow counts.
Related Awareness Days
- International Mother Earth Day — Celebrated on 22 April, a day highlighting the importance of protecting our planet’s natural environments, including snowy ecosystems.
- World Penguin Day — Observed on 25 April, celebrating the penguins that thrive in the world’s snowiest and iciest habitats.
- Active for April — A month-long campaign encouraging physical activity, complementing World Snow Day’s message of getting active outdoors.
Links
Plan your next campaign
Use Awareness Planner to discover events, build content calendars, and stay ahead of key dates.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
