Snowball Sustainability Guide: transforming snow sports one step at a time

Small steps toward sustainability can have transformative impacts when adopted widely and integrated into larger initiatives. Think of this as the “snowball effect.” That is, like a snowball rolling downhill, small sustainable actions can gather momentum and grow into a powerful force for change.

Applying this concept, FIS has created the SNOWBALL Sustainability Guide to support snow sport event organizers in building sustainable practices from the ground up, with a focus on environmental responsibility as an interconnected part of social and economic considerations.

The SNOWBALL Sustainability Guide begins by laying the groundwork for success, leading organizers through the first core steps: appointing a Sustainability Manager, forming a dedicated sustainability committee, and creating a clear, actionable sustainability plan with defined goals, leadership commitment, and measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The guide also features an introduction to the FIS Carbon Calculator tool to help identify and prioritize the most impactful actions for reducing emissions.

Download the full guide and check “Event Sustainability: A Beginner’s Guide”, a summarized list of best practices for organizers who are starting their sustainability journey:

From there, the guide moves into action, exploring 11 key working areas, each broken down into practical initiatives. Every initiative is rated using a snowflake system – the more snowflakes, the greater the positive impact on sustainability performance. The 11 focus areas are summarized below, alongside examples of each initiative.

1) Energy: The ultimate target under this header is to minimize energy use and power the entire event with 100% renewable energy. In line with this goal, organizers are presented with high-impact solutions such as adopting LED lighting for slope and venue illumination, and supporting venues in switching to green energy suppliers. Even simple steps can make a difference, such as adjusting thermostats and heating schedules, enforcing switch-off policies for lights and equipment, and using energy-efficient snow management machinery, all aimed at improving energy efficiency.

2) Water: Water is a valuable and finite resource that must be conserved whenever possible. Thanks to rapid technological advances, its use can now be managed more effectively. For instance, initiatives in this area include partnering with ski resorts to collect rainwater for snowmaking, treating and reusing greywater (domestic wastewater), and choosing water-efficient equipment like dual-flush toilets and automatic shut-off showers.

3) Logistics: The focus here is on finding smarter ways to move goods to lower GHG emissions. Key actions under this heading include partnering with logistics companies to introduce an electric fleet, adopting a rail-first policy for transportation, and minimizing transportation distances by working with local suppliers.

4) Transportation: Reducing the environmental impact of transportation means providing more sustainable options for accredited individuals and spectators traveling between their accommodation and the venue. Ideally, people should be able to walk directly to the venue from their accommodation. If the distance is too far, public transport should be the top choice available. If public transport isn’t available, consider using electric vehicles (EVs) or promoting carpooling to reduce the number of cars on the move during the event. Key initiatives under this heading align with these goals.

5) Accommodation: Efforts are directed to minimize the environmental impact of staff and volunteers' accommodations. Initiatives include choosing accommodation within 5 km of the venue, ensuring it's easily accessible without the need for vehicles, and opting for facilities certified under environmental management systems like the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMSAS).

6) Procurement: Sustainable procurement is about understanding, tracking, and reducing the environmental impact of goods purchased by considering every stage of their lifecycle, from production and use to disposal. Key initiatives include contracting suppliers who offer rental options for event equipment, furniture, and goods; choosing materials or items made from recycled or repurposed goods, and selecting suppliers and products that are sustainability-certified.

7) Food and Catering: Creating more sustainable food and catering operations means balancing the provision of delicious and nutritious meals for staff, athletes, volunteers, media, and guests, while also minimizing environmental impact by reducing waste and GHG emissions. Key initiatives under this heading include offering vegetarian and/or vegan options, switching to reusable dishware, and eliminating bottled water by installing water fountains throughout the event.

8) Waste Management: Managing waste responsibly means first focusing on waste reduction, then recycling, and finally waste recovery. Disposal of waste to landfill or for incineration should be considered as last-resort options. This step offers practical advice to bring that strategy to life. For example, initiatives include donating items that can't be reused to support local community projects, and helping you set up clearly labeled bins at the event and throughout the village for recycling, organic waste, and general waste.

9) Biodiversity and Nature Conservation: Nature is the backdrop to every snowsport event. Organizers must take responsibility for protecting it. Wherever possible, activities that could harm biodiversity should be avoided, and when impacts are unavoidable, restoration efforts must step in. Initiatives include partnering with ski areas on soil restoration programs to counteract the effects of snow production, grooming, and prolonged snow cover; limiting the use of snow-hardening chemicals, dyes, and paints; and reducing noise and light pollution through measures such as banning fireworks.

10) Communication: At this point, you’ve put in the time and energy to ensure that snow sports events are more sustainable. Now, it’s time to get the word out about your efforts. Creating clear and impactful communication around sustainability helps earn stakeholder trust and drive wider change. Initiatives under this heading include going 100% paper-free for promotions, advertising using digital platforms/electronically, and elaborating on the sustainability initiatives you’ve implemented at the event.

11) Community and Legacy: Building a lasting impact means looking beyond the event itself by inspiring the local community and creating momentum for broader climate action. Sport has a unique power to influence society, and FIS’s Sports for Climate Action Framework highlights just how important that role is. In line with these insights, initiatives under this heading include partnering with sponsors to reward outstanding sustainability efforts by stakeholders, designing interactive sustainability activities during the event to boost engagement, and working closely with the local community to create long-term support systems.

At the end of this guide, organizers will find a practical checklist designed to help track which initiatives have been implemented and spot opportunities that haven’t been tackled yet.