International Sustainability Award For The World Cup Company In Åre

The Swedish Ski Association's organizing company for the World Cup in Åre has won the international sustainability award FIS Nature and Biodiversity Protection and Restoration Award for the Nordic Sustainability Arena (NoSA) initiative. The award was presented at the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Congress in Portugal – where they took home the victory in the category for World Cup organizers, ahead of Sun Valley (USA) and Trondheim, among others.

"We are of course honored by the award and are even more inspired to continue developing NoSA. By using the power of sport, we can contribute to real change," says Olle Danielsson, CEO of the Alpine World Cup in Åre.

Launched in conjunction with the Åre 2024 World Cup, the Nordic Sustainability Arena is an initiative that brings together sports, research, business and societal actors. The goal is to protect the future of winter sports through knowledge, collaboration and concrete action.

During the first conference, issues were raised about climate change, glacier melting, Sami natural knowledge, sustainable transportation and food – but also the conflicts of interest that need to be managed to create real change.

"We share a concern for the future of snow, but also a strong desire to act. We want to inspire more people in sports – both nationally and internationally – to get involved," says Danielsson.

The award is fully in line with the Swedish Ski Association's own sustainability goals and the work to safeguard the future of skiing. Through initiatives like NoSA, Swedish winter sports are showing the way in the global transition - where sport can both influence and create solutions.

The prize money of 3,500 euros will be used to further develop the Nordic Sustainability Arena – which will become an annual and international gathering point for sustainable winter sports.