Fear, Fellowship & Fresh Tracks: Women Leading Change at the Inaugural World Women’s Snowsports Summit
Against the awe-inspiring alpine backdrop of Kaprun, Austria, 54 trailblazing women from 12 countries gathered between April 21st and 26th for a groundbreaking event that’s already reshaping the future of skiing and snowboarding. The first-ever World Women’s Snowsports Organization (WWSO) Summit was more than just a conference—it was a call to action, a celebration of women’s leadership in snowsports, and a deep dive into the challenges that still need conquering.
Among the standout voices were Kimberley Kay, author and illustrator of Ski A to Z – Illustrated Instruction to Skiing, and Dr Carol Porter, Level 4 Snowsport England Coach and academic researcher. Together, they unveiled compelling findings from their ‘Fear Project’—a research initiative exploring how fear impacts women’s participation and longevity in snowsports.
“Our project exposed the extent to which fear is a factor in the snowsport gender imbalance,” said Kay. “It affects progression, confidence, and retention—and often leads women to leave the sport earlier than men.”
Presented during a week of indoor sessions, glacier-based clinics, and invaluable networking, the research struck a chord with delegates from across the snowsports spectrum—elite coaches, resort managers, ski patrol professionals, and national instructor organisations alike. The data sparked immediate, thoughtful debate on a subject that is often overlooked: fear as both a barrier and a compass for industry change.
“Our findings aren’t isolated—they’re consistent across the sector,” said Dr Porter. “It was an honour to share them with a community ready to listen, act, and evolve.”
The summit, hosted high on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, was a dynamic mix of knowledge-sharing and skill-building. On-snow sessions allowed women to swap tips, trade techniques, and hone their craft under the mentorship of elite professionals. Off the slopes, the conversation turned to culture change, inclusion, and how to nurture the next generation of women leaders in snowsports.
Heidi Ettlinger, a founding member of WWSO, reflected on the summit’s impact:
“This was a gathering of change-makers. We’ve laid a collective foundation that will shape how we grow and support women across every facet of the snowsports industry.”
Kimberley Kay agreed:
“The summit was a meeting of minds in a mountain setting. I found community, conversation and camaraderie which will support my work reducing barriers to entry for women in snowsports.”
It wasn’t just Kay and Porter championing female participation. Gemma White, Participation Lead for Snowsport England, also presented insights into grassroots coaching programmes including She Leads, and introduced the rapidly growing Women’s Snowsport Collective (WSC).
“The WSC is more than a network—it’s a lifeline,” White said. “Our WhatsApp group is constantly buzzing with advice, shared experiences, and event news. It’s a vibrant, supportive space for female coaches at every level.”
With backing from The Hill – Home of Ski Rossendale, Snowsport England, and Ski Press, the Fear Project is already informing coaching strategies, safety policies, and industry-wide conversations about retention and equity.
Looking ahead, both Kay and Porter are committed to turning research into results.
“I came home exhausted but energised,” said Dr Porter. “This was the most powerful, uplifting event I’ve ever attended. I urge any woman involved in snowsports—whether you coach or simply love to ski—to come next year.”
Be Part of the Movement
The World Women’s Snowsports Organization Summit returns in 2026. For more information and to register your interest, visit wwso.pro. The full findings of the Fear Project are available to explore online—because the future of snowsports is fearless, female, and only just getting started.
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