On 21 March 2025, the world will mark the first-ever UN World Glaciers Day, a global initiative to spotlight the urgent need to protect glaciers from the devastating impacts of climate change. As glaciers melt at an alarming rate, their loss threatens freshwater supplies, biodiversity, and entire ecosystems.

The IBU has joined the cause, serving in the Task Force for the International Year of Glaciers 2025, to emphasize the connection between snow sports and the fight to preserve our frozen landscapes.

Why Glaciers Matter for Snow Sports

Glaciers and snow are the lifeblood of winter sports. Without them, skiing, biathlon, and other winter sports face an uncertain future. Climate change has already led to shorter seasons and unpredictable snow conditions, and pose significant challenges for traditional training locations. For sports organizations like the IBU, advocating for glacier protection is not just about sport—it’s about securing the future of winter itself.

Join us

This year’s inaugural World Glaciers Day serves as a rallying point for global entities such as governments, and sports organizations to unite in glacier conservation.

Please join us by using hashtags #WorldGlaciersDay, #GlaciersMatter, and #Glaciers2025 to help spread the message.

By supporting World Glaciers Day and the annual campaign for the International Year of Glaciers 2025, the sports community can lead the charge in fighting climate change—because when glaciers disappear, so does winter.

The Last Glaciers - The Film

There is also an exciting film providing more information on this topic called The Last Glaciers which depicts the relationship between climate change, mountain environments, and glaciers. Filmed over seven years in twelve countries, The Last Glaciers captures the fragility of the natural world and the importance of maintaining it while we still can. You can watch the film here.

For more information, visit UN Glaciers Initiative.

Photo by The Last Glaciers