The Åre Alpine World Cup has received the newly established FIS Nature and Biodiversity Protection and Restoration Award for the initiative Nordic Sustainability Arena (NoSA) – a platform that brings together sport, science and business to safeguard the future of winter sports.
The award was presented at the International Ski and Snowboard Federation’s (FIS) annual seminar in Portugal. Åre won in the category for World Cup organizers, ahead of Sun Valley (USA) and Trondheim (Norway).
– We are honored and inspired to increase our pace. We believe in the emotional power of sport as a driving force for change, says Olle Danielsson, CEO of the Åre Alpine World Cup.
Science, emotion and action
Nordic Sustainability Arena was launched during the 2025 World Cup and is built on scientific foundations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By combining research with the strong emotional connection to snow and winter sports, NoSA aims not only to raise awareness – but to turn it into concrete action. Together with researchers, athletes, the private sector and organizations, the initiative addressed issues such as climate change, melting glaciers, Indigenous Sámi knowledge, sustainable food and transport – as well as the goal conflicts that must be addressed to create real change.
During the seminar, a film produced by Åre Municipality was shown – the same film that opened the first sustainability conference. It set the tone – and moved the participants who later voted for Åre as the winner.
– We share a concern for the future of snow, but also a belief that we can make a difference. Now we want more people involved – athletes, teams and organizations, says Danielsson.
The initiative aligns with the global Sports for Nature framework, where the sports world takes joint responsibility for nature. The prize money of €3,500 will be used to further develop the Nordic Sustainability Arena initiative.
Contact:
Olle Danielsson, CEO World Cup Åre
+46 70 558 33 69 | olle@worldcupare.com
Read more in FIS news: Link
About Nordic Sustainability Arena – a meeting place for white winters
Nordic Sustainability Arena aims to become an annual international gathering where sport, science, business and civil society come together to contribute to global climate transformation. Through joint efforts, we can strengthen the future of winter sports and demonstrate how the power of major events can help preserve snow and winter for future generations. Nordic Sustainability Arena is grounded in scientific research and is based on acting for the Global Goals within the Planetary Boundaries.
www.nordicsustainabilityarena.com
