Sailing in the Winter Olympic Games?

The 2026 Ice and Snow Sailing World Championships on February 17-21 has attracted 95 competitors from 12 nations to take on the frozen, snow-covered surface of Lake Mälaren in Västerås, Sweden.

Held under the authority of the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association, athletes use a wide range of wind powered equipment — wings, kites, and windsurfing sails — mounted on skis, snowboards, ice skates, or sleds. The result is one of winter sport’s most diverse and visually striking fleets, with competitors gliding at high speed across the lake.

This year’s fleet spans an extraordinary age range, from the youngest sailor at just 10 years old to the oldest at 72. Several families are competing together, with children racing alongside — and sometimes against — their parents.

The atmosphere on the ice is already one of shared passion, friendly rivalry, and pure winter fun, even as the sport continues to nurture its long term ambition of joining the Winter Olympic Games.

Racing features multiple formats:
• Course Racing: Long legs across the lake, testing speed, tactics, and endurance.
• Short Track Racing: Tight, technical heats with close maneuvers and fast, head to head progression.
• The Marathon: A long distance race covering the full lake, a signature challenge of the World Championships.

Details: https://www.isswc.com/