It has been announced that the highly anticipated London Ski and Snowboard Festival 2021 will be postponed until 2022, due to the impact of Covid restrictions and uncertainty surrounding travel over the coming months.
Due to be held at Battersea’s Evolution London from 28th – 31st October 2021, the festival promised four days of snow sports fun, with a huge range of winter content to enjoy, as well as demons on a huge 140ft real snow kicker and some unmissable après events. The postponement will sadden London-based skiers and snowboarders, who were looking forward to being transported to the mountains this October thanks to the impressive line-up of speakers, exhibitors and entertainment.
Unfortunately, despite promising commitments from a huge range of exhibitors and some of the industry’s leading brands, the impact of the extension of Covid restrictions and the continued uncertainty surrounding travel over the coming months has led Smart Group to take the decision to postpone the festival until October 2022.
Though disappointing for the industry, Smart Group are undeterred in confirming the new dates of 27th – 30th October 2022.
Greg Lawson, CEO of Smart Group comments ‘No one would have been prouder to have held the festival this October than me, but regrettably due to the continued uncertainty especially around travel restrictions that has been felt by many of our international exhibitors, we have sought their advice and believe the best decision is to postpone. We are grateful for the support of our partners in making this decision, and are energised to deliver an even better festival in 2022.’
Trevor De Villiers, CEO of Norway – Home of Skiing, who themselves were an early supporter of the festival said that as exhibitors, they were in total agreement with the postponement. He said: “Following the governments further delay to the so-called freedom, it’s clear that no business within the travel industry at this stage has the confidence in spending vast sums of money towards the short-term future. We can only commit to any major financial projects once we are guaranteed they can actually take place. My support further goes to Smart as festival organiser, who cannot be expected to outlay vast sums of money in the hope that the event is able to take place.
“Delaying this show until next year, gives us all a good opportunity to take stock and join forces again in 2022 – Norway will 100% be participating in this critical industry event.’
Here at InTheSnow, we’re already counting down the days to 2022 and what looks set to be an epic few days bringing the mountains to London! With a line up already of host Chemmy Alcott, DJ BBQ, Warren Smith, Team GB and more, combined with an alpine street food market, 140ft ski jump, practice slope, alongside some of the biggest names exhibiting including Norway, Tirol, Crystal, Inghams and Planks, this is definitely one festival you won’t want to miss next year.
