This page has been translated by AI; the French version is the original reference
Innovating for the future of snow sports with the SKITZERLAND® Innovation Awards
Snow sports are undergoing a period of profound transformation. Climate change, evolving visitor expectations, technological innovations and sustainability challenges are reshaping the future of our mountain regions.
With the SKITZERLAND® Innovation Awards, our association offers a competition dedicated to projects that help reinvent the future of winter sports.
In the face of climate challenges, it is becoming essential to imagine new models so that the mountains remain a place of life, passion and transmission. The timeline presented above allows you to view the key dates of the competition:
With the SKITZERLAND® Innovation Awards, our association offers a competition dedicated to projects that help reinvent the future of winter sports.
In the face of climate challenges, it is becoming essential to imagine new models so that the mountains remain a place of life, passion and transmission. The timeline presented above allows you to view the key dates of the competition:
An ecosystem at the core of the reflection
The mountains are not limited to ski slopes and lift systems. The competition promotes projects that take into account the entire snow ecosystem: education and training, tourism, local economy, equipment, talent and expertise. We are looking for project leaders who take a holistic approach to rethinking the mountains of tomorrow.
Three categories for taking concrete action
The projects are divided into three complementary categories, three key levers to evolve practices and support the sector’s transition.
Who can take part? And at what stage should the project be?
Eligible applicants include students, start-ups, companies, associations, public authorities, research teams and individual project leaders presenting an innovative project, whether at the prototyping stage, in a pilot phase, or already being deployed (for less than six months). Projects must contribute directly or indirectly to the future of snow sports and mountain regions.
- Communication
Projects that promote awareness, knowledge sharing, the promotion of best practices, or the enhancement of snow sports and mountain regions. - Innovation
Projects that propose new products, services, technologies, business models or solutions addressing the challenges of snow sports and mountain environments. - Education
Projects aimed at skills development, knowledge transfer, professional training or education related to snow sports and mountain environments.
Who can take part? And at what stage should the project be?
Eligible applicants include students, start-ups, companies, associations, public authorities, research teams and individual project leaders presenting an innovative project, whether at the prototyping stage, in a pilot phase, or already being deployed (for less than six months). Projects must contribute directly or indirectly to the future of snow sports and mountain regions.
A rigorous and collaborative selection process
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The SKITZERLAND® Innovation Awards do not merely reward projects: they support the most promising projects at every stage of their development:
5'000 frs to reward impact and boldnessFor this first edition, one winner (honorary award) will be selected in each of the three categories.
Among them, one project will receive the SKITZERLAND® Innovation Awards of CHF 5'000. The Public Prize (honorary award, independent of the jury’s deliberations) will be awarded by vote of the members (Individual and Corporate) of the SKITZERLAND® Association. |
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A unique stage for your projectOfficially launched on the occasion of MMF’Z, organised in partnership with HES-SO Valais-Wallis on 10 June 2026, the winners of the SKITZERLAND® Innovation Awards will be announced at the Moving Mountain Forum 2026 (7–8 October 2026, Les Diablerets).
An event bringing together decision-makers, economic stakeholders, scientific experts and enthusiasts around the challenges of mountain regions. Sector-wide visibilityThanks to a qualified audience and live translation of presentations in French, German and English, your project benefits from visibility among all key stakeholders in the mountain sector.
Project leaders are strongly encouraged to take part in these moments of exchange and networking. |
SUBMIT A PROJECT
Through the SKITZERLAND® Innovation Awards, the SKITZERLAND® Association supports initiatives that evolve models, foster creativity and strengthen Alpine culture. Can your project help write the next chapter of this story? Submit it to our competition!
Included in the fee |
SIMPLE registration |
STANDARD registration |
COMPLETE registration |
Registration fee |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Jury fee |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
MMF Tickets |
❌ |
✅ 2 tickets 07.10.2026 |
✅ 2 tickets 07+08.10.2026 |
MMF Evening Dinner on 07.10.2026 |
❌ |
✅ 2 seats |
✅ 2 seats |
TARIF |
CHF 150.- |
CHF 250.- |
CHF 300.- |
CONTENT OF YOUR APPLICATION FILE
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Mandatory documents
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Optional documents
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F.A.Q.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include individuals, students, start-ups, companies, associations, public authorities and research teams that meet the competition’s eligibility criteria. Legal entities must be legally established in Switzerland. Certain international projects may be accepted if they demonstrate a direct link to snow sports or mountain regions in Switzerland.
Is my project eligible?
Projects (less than 6 months old) must contribute directly or indirectly to the future of snow sports and mountain regions. They may be at the prototype stage, in a pilot phase, or already in the process of being deployed.
Is my project legally protected?
Applicants retain full intellectual property rights. However, it is their responsibility to protect their innovations before any public disclosure if necessary (patent, trademark, design, etc.). Certain information may be presented to the jury, the public, or as part of communication activities related to the competition.
What are the prizes for the winners?
The winners will benefit from visibility within the mountain ecosystem, privileged access to the SKITZERLAND® network, and featured exposure at the Moving Mountain Forum. A single prize of CHF 5,000 will be awarded across the three categories, based on the evaluation of the expert jury.
Not sure if my project is eligible. what should I do?
We encourage you to contact the SKITZERLAND® team before submitting your application. We will be happy to guide you and to assess with you whether your project aligns with the objectives of the competition.
Simply write to us at: [email protected]
Simply write to us at: [email protected]
What are the full terms and conditions for participating in the competition?
