UK Snowsport Data Shared At Inaugural Worldwide Women’s Summit

Kimberley Kay and Dr Carol Porter shared snowsports fear research insights at the inaugural World Women’s Snowsports Organization (WWS0) Summit in Kaprun, Austria. 54 Women from 12 countries attended the summit from the 21st to 26th April 2025. 

Heidi Ettlinger, WWSO founding team member, said: “The World Women’s Snowsports Summit invited change-makers from around the globe to build a community dedicated to fostering the growth of women in all sectors of the snowsports industry. Throughout this week of unique exchanges, shared learning experiences, and insights from leaders positioned to enact change, a collective foundation was established to inform future work by the World Women’s Snowsports Organization.”

Kimberley Kay, author and illustrator of Ski A to Z - Illustrated Instruction to Skiing, and Dr Carol Porter Level 4 Snowsport England Coach/ researcher, presented their ‘Fear Project’ research findings, sparking interest and discussion about fear as a factor affecting women’s enjoyment and participation in snowsports. 

At the summit, women working in snowsports roles including elite coaching, national ski instructor organisations, ski patrol and resort management, gathered for indoor conference sessions, mealtime networking, and on snow clinics on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.

Dr Carol Porter said: “It was an honour to be invited to share the outcomes of our research at the World Women’s Snowsports Organization’s inaugural summit in Kaprun. Our presentation sparked thoughtful debate around the issues, which are consistent across the industry.”

Kimberley Kay said: “Our project exposed the extent to which fear is a factor in the snowsport gender imbalance and the role this can play in women deciding to stop skiing at a younger age than men. For women to play more equal roles in snowsports there must be a strong participation base. The fears exposed by our survey are relevant to coaches, for understanding clients and supporting progress, and to the wider snowsport industry for the need to address safety concerns and by doing so boosting retention.”

Heidi commented: “The presentation and weeklong contributions from Kimberley Kay and Dr. Carol Porter illuminated the factors contributing early on to growing the pipeline of women’s participation in snowsports. Additionally, they encouraged a robust discussion on the value of data-driven research to reach stakeholders and gatekeepers who can positively impact how we invite and develop women in snowsports.”

Kimberley said: “The summit was a meeting of minds in a mountain setting. Shared interests, imparted skills and techniques from incredible women, made for an inspiring event which will provide more pathways for women to lead in the snowsports industry. I found community, conversation and camaraderie which will support my endeavours to reduce barriers to snowsports.”

Carol explained, “This was the most powerful, positive, inspirational and uplifting event I have ever attended. I arrived home utterly exhausted but energised to apply everything I’ve learned and make changes within my community. I urge any female snowsports enthusiasts, even if you have no current aspirations to instruct or coach, to book early and attend the summit next year.”

Gemma White, participation lead for Snowsport England, also presented at the event, providing insights on the organisation’s women’s coaching initiatives including the She Leads programme and the growing Women’s Snowsport Collective community. 

Gemma, said: “Our Women’s Snowsport Collective (WSC)  is a vibrant, active space to connect with fellow female instructors and coaches from across the world. Whether looking for advice, tips on overcoming coaching challenges or simply to celebrate wins with like-minded women, the WSC WhatsApp group is there to support. Through this forum we share information about upcoming events, workshops, and resources tailored specifically for female snowsports professionals.”

The ‘Fear Project' is supported by The Hill - Home of Ski Rossendale, Snowsport England and Ski Press. The key findings from the ‘Fear Project’ research can be viewed here.

For further information and to register interest for the World Women’s Snowsports Organization Summit 2026 head to wwso.pro