The 2026 edition of the European Week of Winter Sport (EWWS) has been successfully implemented across 30 countries, marking another important milestone in the promotion of physical activity, community engagement, and winter sport participation across Europe. Building on the success of the first edition in 2025, this year’s initiative once again demonstrated the power of sport to connect people and inspire active lifestyles during the winter season.

Official period of the initiative was between February 1 and 8, and it brought together a total of 237 events across 30 countries, engaging an impressive 502.000 participants from a wide range of backgrounds. Schools, sport clubs, municipalities, and grassroots organizations all played a key role in delivering activities that were both accessible and inclusive, reflecting the growing interest in winter sport at community level.

Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to engage in a diverse programme of activities, ranging from traditional winter sports such as skiing and skating to outdoor fitness sessions, school-based initiatives and community-driven events. This variety not only encouraged participation but also contributed to building a more active, connected, and health-conscious society across Europe and beyond.

A defining feature of the European Week of Winter Sport has been its strong grassroots approach, which empowered local organizers to design and implement activities tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of their communities. Beyond participation, the initiative continued to promote key values that are central to its mission. Inclusion remained at the forefront, with activities designed to engage people of all ages and abilities, ensuring that winter sport is accessible to everyone. Sustainability was also a core focus, with organizers encouraged to adopt environmentally conscious practices in the planning and delivery of events. At the same time, EWWS fostered community building by bringing together local stakeholders and encouraging collaboration, ultimately reinforcing the social impact of sport.

As the EWWS project moves into its final phase, attention will now turn to recognizing excellence and innovation through the EWWS Promotional Contest and the Sustainability Award. These awards will highlight the most inspiring stories and best practices emerging from this year’s edition, further encouraging creativity and commitment among organizers. The project will conclude with a conference at towards the end of the year. 

With its continued growth and strong engagement, the European Week of Winter Sport confirms its role as a key initiative within the European sport landscape, promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening communities through sport. As momentum continues to build, EWWS is set to remain a driving force in encouraging participation and fostering a more active and inclusive Europe.

The European Week of Winter Sport is a project co-funded by the European Union. It aims to promote participation in sport and physical activity while raising awareness of climate change and encouraging sustainable practices. The project is led by L'Orma, in partnership with organisations from X countries, including the EUSA Institute by the European University Sports Association.

We are also happy to see that from next year onwards, the European Week of Sport will be celebrated Europe also in the winter period. Building on 10 years of the European Week of Sport and the #BeActive campaign, European Commission is launching #BeActiveWinter in 2027, a new initiative celebrating winter sports and active lifestyles for everyone. Inspired also by the Olympic legacy, next February will be promoted across the continent.

In March, EUSA also proudly announced the evolvement of the European Universities Winter Championships which have been successfully celebrated in 2023 and 2025, into the European Universities Winter Games. The first edition will be celebrated in February 2028 in Erzurum, Turkey.

If you are interested in more details about the EWWS project, please see https://wintersportweek.com; you are also invited to join the online 20th EAS Virtual Cafè on “Beyond Winter: Life Between Sport and Study” which will be held on Monday March 30 at 13:00 CET.