What are the United Winter Games?
Our FAQ: Everything you need to know
Want to learn more about our exciting event? Here you are exactly right. We have compiled all the relevant information in our FAQ.
What are the UNITED WINTER GAMES?
The UWG is a brand new winter sports event for all winter sports enthusiasts of different levels. The Winter Games are organized by the creators of the United World Games (est. 2005). The summer and winter editions stand for togetherness, international and intercultural exchange as well as sporting action and new friendships – true to the motto “One World a Thousand Friends”!
When will the UNITED WINTER GAMES take place?
The United WINTER Games will take place for the first time in 2024 – we look forward to welcoming you to Carinthia / Villach-Faakersee-Arnoldstein and Feistritz/Gail from March 1 to 3, 2024.
Who can take part?
Every winter sports enthusiast is welcome. You don’t need to show any qualification or even FIS points. You are welcome to be ambitious on skis or boards, or just want to try yourself out between the gates.
A winter weekend in the Carinthian snow can also strengthen the club community and create many wonderful memories, for example at the Players Party. The night spectacle on the Hrast lift in Feistritz an der Gail, the grand opening ceremony or the fun or technical competition on the Hrast lift at the end are sure to be a special experience.
Who are the United Winter Games for?
For all children and teenagers who would like to experience a weekend of winter sports fun of the special class. We are looking forward to a joint winter spectacle in Carinthia, exactly where three countries come together: Austria, Italy and Slovenia in the Villach-Faaker See-Arnoldstein and Feistritz im Gailtal regions. The focus is just as much on having fun and working together as it is on your athletic performance.
Which competitions are offered?
The first edition of the United Winter Games will feature Alpine skiing(slalom and giant slalom as well as a fun discipline), snowboarding(parallel giant slalom and a parallel slalom). In the following years an expansion of the competitions is planned. In the following years an expansion of the competitions is planned.
Do I have to be present on all three application days?
From what age may one participate?
Alpine Skiing (open) & Snowboard Giant Slalom (open) Girls & Boys
- Children 11 / 12 (born 2012-2013)
- Pupils 14 (born 2010-2011)
- Pupils 16 (born 2008-2009)
- Youth 18 (born 2006-2007)
- Youth 21 (age group 2003-2005)
My age group is not included?
But I really want to be there. What should I do?
We are happy to offer you the opportunity to ride out of competition in the existing alpine competitions. Maybe you’ll be in one of the age groups at the next edition.
What is the cost of participation?
We are happy that we can offer a very attractive package due to the great support from tourism and the co-organizing communities Arnoldstein and Feistritz an der Geil. We are happy to put together customized offers.
Accompanying parents: I would also like to ski?
I have registered my child and would also like to ski?
Here we have the perfect package for you. We can also cater to your additional needs. Let us know how we can add to or customize your individual ski weekend.
Where will the UNITED WINTER GAMES take place?
The location varies depending on the sport you choose.
- On Friday there will be a night slalom spectacle at the Hrastlift in Feistritz an der Geil followed by the opening ceremony. The fun competition will also be held there on Sunday.
- The giant slalom at the Dreiländereck will take place on Saturday
- On Saturday and Sunday the snowboard competitions will take place on the Simonhöhe.
- The supporting program unites the athletes of the different sports in one place, alternating between the ski resort (opening ceremony & closing ceremony) and Faak/See (Saturday evening).
What do you need to know about the ski resort in the border triangle?
Where three countries meet, skiing together without borders!
The area could not meet our vision better. The Dreiländereck is a small fine ski area, which becomes really crowded again in March. From the mountain restaurant you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Karawanken (Carinthia / Austria) and the Julian Alps (Italy and Slovenia), the Villach Basin to Klagenfurt and the Gail Valley. We have a detachable 3-seater chairlift (the so-called “3-Länder-Jet”) at our disposal which takes our participants up to 1,506 m above sea level in 15 minutes.
In addition, the border triangle has an FIS standardized downhill course, where European Cup races have also been held in the past. Under the motto “Senza Confini” (i.e. without borders), the province of Carinthia is applying with the region around the border triangle, together with Slovenia and Italy for the 2034 Olympic Games!
What do you need to know about the Hrastlift in Feistritz an der Gail?
The Hrastlift is an ideal practice and training lift in Feistritz an der Gail. The facility is equipped with a modern snowmaking system and floodlights, perfect for kicking off the United Winter Games weekend. The location, close to the highway, the 2020 completely renewed infrastructure at the foot of the T-bar lift unites the athletes on the first afternoon with regional catering and Carinthian welcome culture.
Family members and fans (and still sufficient snow) can enter a hiking trail directly at the foot of the Hrastlift. The Hrastlift facility was the venue for the Special Olympics Winter Games in 2020, among other events.
Can I arrive by train?
Very gladly you can arrive by train. The UNITED WINTER GAMES team will also be happy to assist you in planning your individual journey.
If you arrive with the team and want to leave the car or team bus, that is also welcome. For the included social program points (opening ceremony, players party, from the hotel to the competition) shuttle busses are offered, which are included in the package.
Accompanying adults can also book in for a small shuttle fee of € 5.00 per person / trip.
Who is organizing the United Winter Games?
The UNITED WINTER GAMES team of Europe’s biggest multisport festival which takes place in Klagenfurt since 2005, would like to offer you now also a winter event.
Together we will celebrate the premiere of the United WINTER Games in 2024. In order to be able to handle the competitions and tournaments professionally, we work together with esteemed and very experienced clubs.
Together with the Skiläufervereinigung Villach and the Schiclub Arnoldstein we have local experienced trainers on our side and can guarantee a top-class execution of the winter sports competitions within the framework of the United Winter Games.
I would like to help, who do I contact?
We look forward to helping hands, please send an e-mail to info@unitedwintergames.com.
Can I participate in summer and winter?
You are very welcome to be part of the United World Games in summer and in addition to your participation in June you can also compete in the United Winter Games. Registration is currently open for both events for you and your club. We look forward to seeing you!
When will the United Winter Games 2025 take place?
We have of course long term visions with the winter event and have also already a few sports additionally on the list (sneak peek: possibly cross-country skiing and stick sports) a date will be discussed as soon as possible and coordinated with the partners!