Winter Sports Unites For Climate Action At 3rd Edition Of Climate Summit

The third edition of the Ski Industry Climate Summit marked a significant step forward in scale, scope, and cross-sector participation. Last week, right after the Prowinter Show in Bolzano, the event by Atomic, Protect our Winters and the Winter Sports Sustainability Network brought together leading voices from across the winter sports ecosystem to align on climate action, innovation, and collaboration. With the addition of new stakeholders such as federations and resorts, the agenda was packed with two days of high-level speakers and forward-looking content. Frontrunners from the winter sports business, research institutions, NGOs, and service providers presented key insights on legislation, market developments, circularity, decarbonization, and advocacy. The industry’s continued interest in collaborative progress is steadily reshaping the future of the sport and its narrative.

While variable winter conditions continue to challenge both skiing and its supporting industries, the Summit stands as a beacon of shared responsibility. As participants convened for the third time, the snowless mountains surrounding the Bolzano venue offered a stark visual reminder of what’s at stake.

Having focused primarily on equipment brands and their supply chains in earlier editions, this year’s Summit expanded to include all types of businesses connected to the sport. Recognizing the urgency — and interdependence — of climate action, the organizers welcomed resorts and federations into a broader coalition working toward a shared goal: preserving the beauty of winter sports by addressing the full ecosystem that sustains them.

• Day One of the Summit focused on strategic direction and sector-wide insight. Presentations covered economic implications (WIFO), regulatory updates (FESI, Snaplinc), and market shifts (SIA). Decathlon shared long-term winter sports vision, while operators like KitzSki, Compagnie des Alpes, and federations like the International Biathlon Union outlined their climate (transition) strategies. The day closed with strong contributions on brand trust and design-led action from Above the Clouds, EY, and EOCA.
• Day Two turned the spotlight on implementation and innovation. Sessions highlighted circular business models (Intersport International, Ellen MacArthur Foundation), product lifecycle (Glimpact, Amer Sports), and recycling technologies (WINTRUST, Fairmat, Re-Sport). Workshops engaged stakeholders on mobility, events, standardized data exchange, and ESG tools. From materials R&D to cross-industry alliances, the day reflected real-world collaboration in motion.

With expert sessions, breakout workshops, and multi-stakeholder dialogue, the 2026 edition proved how far the Summit has evolved — from a brand-initiated forum to an essential industry platform for climate leadership.

The Ski Industry Climate Summit 2026 was widely recognized by participants as a timely and increasingly essential platform for climate leadership in winter sports. Across LinkedIn and in verbal comments, attendees emphasized the event’s collaborative spirit, high-quality content, and tangible relevance to their work. From federations and brands to researchers, NGOs, and service providers, many highlighted the Summit’s ability to combine regulatory insight, innovation showcases, and cross-sector dialogue. The in-person format was especially appreciated for enabling personal connection and real exchange. A clear takeaway emerged: the Summit is evolving from a promising initiative into an established cornerstone for industry-wide sustainability engagement.