If your idea of a perfect February involves sub-zero temperatures, the stinging wind on your face, and the unmatched sound of blades carving across a frozen lake at highway speeds, then we have excellent news.
Just as you were wondering how to fill the long, dark winter days, we're here to save your sanity.
Pack your warmest... well, everything. The WISSA World Ice and Snow Sailing Championship is officially on the calendar, and in 2026, we're descending upon the frozen expanse of Lake Mälaren in Västerås, Sweden.
For those who know, you know. For those who are new, welcome to the most exhilaratingly cold event on the planet. This is where we prove that with enough wind, even a frozen landscape is a high-speed playground.
The Core Details: What, When, and Where
Get your calendars out and start negotiating with your travel partners. This is not one to miss.
Event: Ice & Snow Sailing World Championships 2026
Dates: February 16–21, 2026
Location: Västerås, Sweden, on Lake Mälaren
Main Venue: JKV Sailing Club, Ankargatan 1, 723 48 Västerås
This event is brought to you by the combined efforts of the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (WISSA), the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA), and a powerhouse Local Organizing Committee including the Swedish Skatesailing Association, JKV Sailing Club, Visit Västerås, and the Swedish Ice Sailing Federation.
Full details are emerging on the official event site: https://www.isswc.com/
A Historic Union of the Winds
Here’s the big news: 2026 marks a historic and powerful cooperation between WISSA and the IKA.
For the first time, this championship will officially unite all three major classes in one massive, combined event:
Kite
Wing
Windsurf
That's right. All the speed, all the disciplines, all on one frozen lake. It's a testament to the sport, bringing together global competitors, athletes, and supporters to prove, once and for all, who is fastest on ice.
The Venue: Why Västerås?
Besides having reliably frozen water in February (a key feature, we're told), Västerås is a stunning lakeside city with a rich maritime history, located just 100km from Stockholm. The main competition area will be the frozen waters of Lake Mälaren, easily accessible from the JKV Sailing Club.
The city is celebrated for hosting winter sports, and its welcoming hospitality is ready for our unique brand of wind-powered adventure.
Learn more about the location: https://www.isswc.com/location/
How to Join the Glorious Madness: Registration
You can't win if you don't enter. And you can't brag about being there if you don't register.
Registration Opens: November 15, 2025
(Yes, that's 2025. Mark your calendar now.)
Early Bird Period: November 15 – December 15, 2025
Why book early? You get a reduced price and your competitor’s name printed on the competition vest. Because proving you were there (and looking professional while doing it) is half the fun.
Get ready to sign up here: https://www.isswc.com/registration/
Schedule at a Glance: Your Six-Day Plan
This is not a casual weekend. This is a full-week immersion into the world of ice and snow sailing.
Date | Key Activities & Events |
|---|---|
Feb 15 (Sun) | Welcome, freeride & explore (No official events. Get your bearings.) |
Feb 16 (Mon) | Official registration (12:00–16:00), Speed competition begins, Racer's meeting & Opening ceremony |
Feb 17–19 (Tue–Thu) | Elite Course Racing, Skippers meetings (10:00), racing starts (11:00), Wed: Night on the town (18:00–22:00) |
Feb 20 (Fri) | Recreational registration (08:00–09:00), Elite/Recreational Race, Night fun race |
Feb 21 (Sat) | All Fleets Skippers meeting, Elite & Recreational Race, All Fleets Marathon (14:00), Prize Giving & Closing Ceremony (19:00) |
See the full, detailed schedule: https://www.isswc.com/schedule/
Logistics: Getting You and Your Gear to the Ice
Västerås is one of Sweden’s oldest cities and remarkably accessible. It's ~100 km from Stockholm and ~400 km from Gothenburg/Oslo, reachable by the E18 highway.
Train: SJ train tickets (via Stockholm)
Bus: Flixbus tickets (direct from Arlanda airport)
Directions to Venue: Google Maps
Accommodation: The local tourism board says options range from "luxurious or simple, in the treetops or in a steam power plant." We're not making that up. Find your bizarre or normal lodging here: Visit Västerås - Accommodation
Conditions: What to Really Expect
Ah, the "Climate." Let's be real: it will be cold.
The typical February temperature is just below zero Celsius. But the real story is the "reliable ice." This can (and probably will) range from bare ice, water on ice, or snow.
Our advice? Bring everything. SW winds are dominant. Plan accordingly.
Stalk the Event: Socials & News
Don't wait for the event to start. Follow the build-up, get the latest news, and see the official media as it drops.
Official Facebook: ISSWC Facebook
Official Instagram: ISSWC Instagram
Latest News: ISSWC News Page
That's the brief. The full Notice of Race (NOR), detailed FAQs, and media coverage will be posted on the official site as the event approaches.
Start your training. Check your blades. Mentally prepare for the cold.
We'll see you in Sweden. This is WISSA.
