state of Styria is once again funding winter sports weeks

The funding for the Styrian winter sports weeks is entering its next phase. Following the very positive reception of the program last school year, the Styrian tourism department is again providing €200,000 for travel expenses in the 2026/2027 school year.

The aim is to inspire even more children and young people to take up winter sports and simultaneously strengthen Styria's winter sports regions. For many children, a winter sports week is their first experience with skiing or another winter sport – and often the start of a lifelong passion.

“The school ski trip subsidy has been a complete success. It was very well received last school year. Therefore, it was clear to us: we will continue and subsidize winter sports weeks again this year. Children should be active, experience something together, and get to know our Styrian winter sports regions. This strengthens winter sports and tourism and simultaneously attracts the guests of tomorrow. This is practical support and a key point in our government program,” says Governor Mario Kunasek.

“Winter sports weeks are an essential part of the sporting opportunities for children and young people. With the funding provided, the State of Styria is making an important contribution to the widespread implementation of winter sports among our students and to strengthening winter tourism. Those who discover a love of skiing in their youth will continue to enthusiastically visit Styrian winter sports areas throughout their lives. I hope that many children and young people will experience this enthusiasm firsthand this school year,” says Stefan Hermann, State Councillor for Education.

The enclosed funding guidelines define the key criteria for receiving funding. The aim of this funding is to provide schools and students with a greater incentive to hold school-related winter sports weeks in Styria through financial support. This is intended to introduce children and young people to winter sports and, consequently, strengthen winter tourism in Styria.

Recipients of funding are schools in Styria (represented by the school management or the organizing committee of the winter sports weeks).

• The subsidy covers bus and train costs for round-trip transportation from the school to the winter sports resort in Styria. Commuting during the winter sports week is not subsidized.

• Budget : €200,000 is available for the funding program for the 2026/2027 school year. Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility requirements:

A minimum of four overnight stays in a Styrian winter sports resort are required. Three quotes must be obtained from authorized charter or scheduled transport companies; the best offer must be selected.

Amount of funding:

The costs of bus or train travel as per the invoice will be subsidized, up to a maximum of the amount stated in the funding application. If the actual invoice amount is lower (e.g., due to a smaller number of students, a smaller bus, etc.), only the lower amount will be paid out.

A report on the number and amount of school ski trip subsidies paid to schools for the 2026/2027 school year will be submitted to the Styrian state government.