The Prowinter Award, the recognition that celebrates the technical and commercial excellence of products dedicated to the world of skiing and winter outdoor activities, returns in 2026 for its fourth edition, introducing significant new features and an increasing focus on environmental responsibility.
Organized within Prowinter, the leading trade fair for the winter sports and outdoor industry – scheduled at Fiera Bolzano from January 11 to 13, 2026 – the award represents one of the event’s most anticipated moments, dedicated to discovering the products that will shape the trends of the upcoming season.
Originally conceived as a practical and strategic tool for retailers and rental professionals to identify products with the highest market potential, the Prowinter Award has become a benchmark for the entire industry and an important observatory on innovation and technical quality. It highlights companies that stand out for performance, design, and authentic storytelling.
Products will be evaluated through a transparent and structured assessment system that combines technical expertise and market vision. The six criteria are: innovation, marketability, technology, design, storytelling, and environmental responsibility.
This last criterion, new for this edition, highlights products that stand out in terms of sustainability — evaluating recycled or recyclable materials, low-impact production processes, durability, repairability, sustainable packaging, and recognized certifications.
The 2026 edition marks a decisive step forward in Prowinter’s commitment to sustainability, with the introduction – for the first time – of an ESG consultant who will assist the jury in assessing materials and documentation related to environmental responsibility.
This is a concrete step towards a more responsible and transparent approach, going beyond aesthetics and performance to also reward products that make a positive impact on the environment.
Award Categories
The Prowinter Award 2026 includes 10 categories divided between Ski and Outdoor, evaluated by two panels of specialists, plus one Special Prize dedicated to cross-country skiing:
Ski Categories
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Alpine Ski – Top Performance
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Alpine Ski – Allmountain
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Ski Mountaineering Skis
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Alpine Ski Boots – Top Performance
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Alpine Ski Boots – Mid Performance
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Ski Mountaineering Boots
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Prowinter Award Special Prize 2026: Cross-Country Skiing – Classic Technique
Outdoor Categories
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Winter Active Footwear
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Winter Expert Footwear
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Technical Shell Jacket
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Technical Mountaineering Pants.
The award aims to recognize companies that present innovative, compelling, and high-potential products, offering professionals a qualified and objective tool to guide purchasing decisions for the 2026/2027 season.
“With the Prowinter Award, we want to highlight technical quality, innovation, and authentic design – the features that make every product unique,” says Geraldine Coccagna, Brand Manager of Prowinter.
“Our goal is to provide companies, retailers, and technical professionals with concrete tools to anticipate market evolutions and new consumer needs. In particular, we want to raise awareness around sustainability, encouraging brands and retailers to adopt increasingly eco-friendly practices and solutions – to build a winter sports industry that is innovative, responsible, and future-oriented.”
Applications for the award are open until Monday, December 1, 2025, to all exhibitors at the fair, who may submit one product per category.
The winners will be announced on January 11, 2026, during the opening ceremony of the 25th edition of Prowinter, where the finalists’ products will also be presented. All nominated products will remain on display in the Award Area for the entire duration of the event.
For full rules and to submit your product: www.fierabolzano.it/en/prowinter/prowinter-award
INFO: Prowinter
