World Snow Day (www.world-snow-day.com), a global initiative from the International Ski Federation to attract more children in to snowsports, will nearly double in size for its second staging this weekend with 435 events confirmed in 39 countries to take place this Sunday 20th January.
The first World Snow Day last year brought over 200,000 people to snow sports with 225 events across 39 countries and this year has nearly doubled the number events. Organisers aim to reach 500,000 participants by the third year of the event.
"By the end of October, the number of registrations had tripled compared to the same time last year. The record number of Organisers shows a fantastic commitment worldwide to 'bring children to the snow' and to have healthy and active children," said the FIS's Bring Children to the Snow Coordinator Andrew Cholinski.
Planned events include a "Mountain in the City" in Quebec, Canada where a hill has been constructed in the city and ski and snowboard lessons will be offered for children.
The "World Snow Forum" in Siberia will create a snow city with games and activities for all children. In Raponghi, one of the busiest areas of Tokyo, Japan, a huge a freestyle skiing demonstration will take place and a snow play area will be constructed giving children the chance to play in the snow.
In Norway, 99 ski resorts will be opening their doors for free skiing and snowboarding throughout the day.
All five Scottish ski areas and the indoor Snow Factor centre in Glasgow have events planned, although The Lecht has just announced they're cancelling theirs due to unpredictable weather conditions,
"We have free taster sessions at some ski areas for people who've always wanted to try but have never stood on skis or a snowboard before, fun events ranging from snowman-building and snow-animal-sculpting competitions to free sledging and tubing, and from tours on piste grooming machines or snow cats to transceiver park search and rescue practice sessions for experienced skiers and boarders.
All the events are, of course, subject to conditions and we advise checking the conditions page on www.ski-scotland.com before leaving home and on your mobile when you stop en route," said Chair of Ski-Scotland Heather Negus.