WISSA : World Ice and Snow Sailing Association
The World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (WISSA) is the world’s oldest international organization dedicated to ice and snow sailing.
Since its founding in 1987 in Germany, WISSA has grown into a global community. Today, we unite athletes who harness the power of wind on frozen lakes and snowy terrains. Each year, our World Championship gathers competitors from around the globe. What truly sets us apart, however, is our passionate community—one that preserves the sport’s spirit, fosters innovation, and honors our tradition.
The WISSA Ice & Snow Sailing World Championship is officially on the calendar — and in 2026, we’re descending upon the frozen expanse of Lake Mälaren in Västerås, Sweden. Get your calendars out, and start negotiating with your travel partners — you don’t want to miss this one. Find the details of the event below.
- Dates: February 16–21, 2026
- Location: Västerås, Sweden — on the frozen Lake Mälaren
- Main Venue: JKV Sailing Club, Ankargatan 1, 723 48 Västerås
This world-class event is brought to you by the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association (WISSA), together with an outstanding Local Organizing Committee featuring the Swedish Skatesailing Association, JKV Sailing Club, Visit Västerås, and the Swedish Ice Sailing Federation.
Full details are rolling out on the official event site: www.isswc.com
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Winter windsurfing classes
Modern winter windsurfing means you can ride and race on frozen lakes and snowy fields—special equipment makes it all possible even when the water is ice.
Sled & STS Sled
Sleds glide on ice and snow using windsurf rigs and sliding bases like blades or skis.
This class combines traditional sailing with ice racing thrills. Different competition formats require specialized designs: standard sleds for course racing, STS sleds for short track slalom, and specialized designs for marathon races and speed trials.
Kite
Powered by kites and controlled by lines, this class uses skis or snowboards for speed.
Kite setups combine easy handling and robust safety systems. This enables you to cover long distances even in deep winter, making it ideal for marathon races and extended ice sailing adventures.
Wing
A handheld wingsail controlled with your arms and hands.
On ice and snow, wings work perfectly with skates or skis, giving you freedom and maneuverability. This discipline emphasizes technique and balance while enabling athletes to experience the direct connection between sailor and nature on frozen terrain.
Winter windsurfing classes are summarized here for a quick overview. For full class definitions and complete rules, see the Classes section on the Rules page.