The IBU, a dedicated member of the Wintersports Sustainability Network, recognizes the significant progress made by the snow sports industry in embracing sustainability and addressing climate change, as demonstrated at the 2nd Ski Industry Climate Summit held in Munich, Germany, on December 2-3, 2024. Organized alongside the ISPO trade fair by Atomic and the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI), with valuable support from Peak 63 and Protect Our Winters, this important gathering brought together over 180 professionals from ski and snowboard brands, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders. Together, they explored practical solutions to combat climate change, building on the momentum established during the inaugural event in September 2023 in Salzburg, Austria.
This year’s summit, themed «From Commitment to Action,» highlighted the critical need to turn sustainability commitments into tangible outcomes. The event sought to enhance collaboration and innovation within the winter sports sector, which is particularly susceptible to the impacts of the climate crisis. Given the increasing challenges faced by snow-dependent activities, participants stressed the importance of shared responsibility in effecting change.
A key focus of the summit was on circular economy initiatives and the establishment of low-impact product lifecycles. This aligns with a growing trend in the industry towards sustainability, as many snow sports brands exhibit leadership through transparent environmental reporting and impactful transformations in their manufacturing processes.
The IBU commends these efforts, which resonate with its own sustainability objectives and the broader mission of the Wintersports Sustainability Network. As the governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sports of Biathlon and Para Biathlon, the IBU shares the duty of ensuring the enduring nature of its sports while safeguarding the natural environments that are vital to their existence.
Looking ahead, the IBU advocates for ongoing collaboration and innovation across the industry. Events like the Ski Industry Climate Summit exemplify the strength of collective action and serve as an inspiring model for sports and industries around the globe. Together, we can expedite progress towards a sustainable future for winter sports and our planet.
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