The World Women’s Snowsports Organization (WWSO) hosted its inaugural summit, April 20-26, 2025, in the picturesque alpine village of Kaprun, Austria. The groundbreaking weeklong event brought together women leaders, coaches, instructors, and advocates from around the world to advance the visibility, influence, and impact of women in snowsports.

“This summit marks a defining moment in the future of snowsports for women,” said WWSO CEO Brenna Kelleher, an alumna of the PSIA-AASI National Team. “Our mission is to lead a united, global movement where women in all facets of snowsports can thrive – and this week was a bold first step toward that vision.”

Elevating the Next Generation

The summit served as a global platform for connection, innovation, and empowerment. More than 50 women from 12 countries participated in workshops, keynote sessions, panel discussions, and on-snow clinics designed to elevate the next generation of women leaders in skiing, snowboarding, and beyond.

“The goal isn’t just about empowering women; it’s also about fostering stronger working relationships across the entire industry,” Kelleher added. “By reevaluating the roles of skilled workers and how we collaborate, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for both men and women alike.”

Ten global snowsports organizations (PSIA-AASI, CSIA, APSI, NSP, IFSA, PSIC, APUL, SMSZ, BASI, and NOESLV) were represented, along with eight national demo team members/alumnae from the United States, Hungary, Canada, and Australia, including PSIA Alpine Team alumni members, Kelleher (2016-2024) and Heidi Ettlinger (2012-2020).

Looking forward, the event laid the groundwork for future initiatives, with keynote presentations from pioneers and changemakers in elite coaching, alpine racing, snowboarding, and sport leadership, as well as professional development workshops on topics such as developing a coaching philosophy, building sustainable careers in sport, and fostering international collaboration and peer support.

Learn more about the event and WWSO’s work as a social impact corporation for women-specific development and education across all snow disciplines.