Canada’s National Ski and Snowboard Day set for Feb. 21

Canada will mark its first-ever National Ski and Snowboard Day later this month, an opportunity to celebrate snow sports’ positive effects on Canadians’ lives.

On Friday, Feb 21, the Canadian Ski Council invites Canadians to join ski areas across the country in celebrating “the joy, health benefits, and community spirit that downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing brings” from coast to coast.

“Outdoor recreation is widely recognized as a natural mood booster, because of its powerful impact on both physical and mental health,” said Dr. Christine Courbasson, clinical psychologist, in a release. “Research shows that people who engage in outdoor exercise experience reduced stress, improved mood, and a more positive emotional outlook. Time spent in nature has been proven to ease mental distress, and whether it’s walking, running, skiing, or snowboarding, outdoor activities contribute to overall psychological well-being.”

In the weeks leading up to National Ski and Snowboard Day, the Canadian Ski Council is asking the public to share their favourite snow-filled memories. Participants can post photos and videos, tagging @goskiinggosnowboarding and their favourite ski area. The council is encouraging Canadians to consider the following questions:

• What are your favourite memories of skiing or snowboarding?
• Why do you love skiing or snowboarding? 
• Why did you start skiing or snowboarding?

Submissions can also be made via email to [email protected].

Canadians who submit their photos or videos will have a chance to win prizes through a random draw. The submissions will be curated into a video feature compiled from contributions across the country and shared on social media on Feb. 21.

Twenty-one per cent of Canadians identify as alpine skiers, snowboarders or cross-country skiers, according to the council, which noted that participation in snow sports increased 25 per cent in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Skiing and snowboarding generate an estimated $4.4 billion annually in economic impact, with more than 100,000 people working in the Canadian snow sports industry.

“National Ski and Snowboard Day shines a light on the shared passions of Canadians who ski and snowboard while providing a welcome to new participants to join us in active fun,” said Paul Pinchbeck, Canadian Ski Council president and CEO, in the release.