Are we able to have sustainable winter sports events? Main challenges and future directions

The study underscores a disconnect between top-down sustainability initiatives and the practical realities faced by grassroots winter sports organizers. While policy frameworks are evolving, their relevance and applicability to smaller organizations are limited. Bridging this gap requires tailored support mechanisms, inclusive policy development, and context-sensitive best practices. Future research should explore mechanisms to enhance collaboration between policymakers and local organizers to foster more effective and inclusive sustainability strategies in winter sports.