For the first two editions of World Snow Day, Best of the Alps has created a series of meaningful and exciting events for some very special children and hasagreed to extend its participation for the 3rd edition in 2014.
Many of the Best of the Alps member resorts are famous locations for FIS World Cup events. Popular for their well-established infrastructure, their close links to the region in which they are located and their blend of tradition and progress, they are some of the best known winter ski destinations in Europe’s Alpine countries.
For the second edition of World Snow Day on 19th January 2013, a selected group of Best of the Alps Resorts have worked closely with the SOS Children’s Villages, BMW and ADAC (the German Automobile Association). Children from SOS Children’s villages in France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Austria have been transported to the nearest Best of the Alps resort to enjoy a day on the snow. To ensure the children have the best time, a series of great activities were provided to help them explore, enjoy and experience the snow.
World Snow Day is the second phase of the 'Bring Children to the Snow' campaign. The first phase of the campaign, called SnowKidz, was launched in 2009. The SnowKidz project aims to encourage FIS Member National Ski Associations to promote snow sports within their country.
The concept for World Snow Day was developed by FIS in consultation with other organizations involved in snow sports, such as the National Ski Associations, their ski clubs and event organizers, ski schools, ski industry, tourism organizations, mountain lift associations and many more, in order to tackle the general decline in youth participation in snow sports. The World Snow Day aims to support and encourage involvement from children and families alike with the goal of creating a new channel to reach the younger target groups and to bring newcomers to snow whilst offering something special to those who already participate.
Best of the Alps is the European collaboration of the twelve world famous tourist destinations of the Alps - Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Davos, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Grindelwald, Kitzbühel, Lech/Zürs am Arlberg, Megève, Seefeld, St. Anton am Arlberg, St. Moritz and Zermatt. Best of the Alps is the only organisation of this size at this level and has existed for more than 20 years. In 2011, FIS President Gian Franco Kasper was honoured with the Best of the Alps Award. It is an honour bestowed every year by the twelve members of Best of the Alps Classic Mountain Resorts presented to persons in recognition of their outstanding services and achievements in the spheres of sport and tourism that serve to promote and enhance the cultural, social and political life of the European Alpine region.
