For the first time since the UCI Road World Championships 20 years ago, the city of Salzburg will once again host a major global sporting event: the ISU Synchronized Skating World Championships, taking place from 10 to 11 April at the “Salzburgarena“. It is a highlight that perfectly complements the hometown of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

“The ISU Synchronized Skating World Championships impressively demonstrate the international significance our city holds in sports. Such major events are far more than just event highlights: they create role models and inspire particularly young people to get active and to discover their talents,” says mayor Bernhard Auinger proud that the world of sports once again puts its spotlights on Salzburg.

Sport and culture come together in perfect harmony

What other world-famous city could better combine its rich cultural heritage and history with a sport defined by elegance and artistry then Salzburg, host of the 25th edition of the ISU Synchronized Skating World Championships in history? Salzburg has achieved global recognition as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the world’s most famous composers, 270 years ago. It is also renowned for the Salzburg Festival, founded 106 years ago, and for the iconic film “The Sound of Music“. For 30 years, Salzburg’s stunning baroque historic centre has been recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

“Figure skating combines technique, theatre and music: athletic precision meets choreographic dramaturgy,” enthuses Carmen Kiefer, CEO of the LOC. “Costumes and music express cultural identity. Sport becomes the stage, emotion the language!” Synchronized Skating elevates this even further, combining athletic movement with an expressive storytelling, that comes to life through perfect unison. “Jumps and pirouettes merge with the rhythm of dance and music. Everyone on the ice plays a leading role. Thus, every program creates a lot of emotions referring both to the skaters and the audience,” she describes.

United in Skating

This is the official motto of the 2026 ISU Synchronized Skating World Championships in Salzburg. “Acceptance, respect and equality are core values that Skate Austria embodies every day. We want to highlight these values at the World Championships,” emphasises event manager Katharina Rauch. “The 2026 Synchronized Skating World Championships in Salzburg stand for a sport that brings people together and is open to everyone!” This openness will already be given a special platform during the Opening Ceremony, when the Special Olympics Synchronized Skating team sends a powerful message of inclusion in sport.

The sense of community which transcends national, cultural or social boundaries will also be reflected at the Skater’s Party under the motto “Blades Off, Beats On – Hometown Style, Party Moves“. Each team and nation nation is encouraged to celebrate and express their cultural identity through clothing, music and language, creating a vibrant and harmonious exchange. The backdrop for this is Salzburg’s culture. “The entire event week will bear the hallmark of Salzburg. In particular, the legacy of ‘The Sound of Music‘ will play a leading role in the opening ceremony” says Kiefer. “The Farewell Dinner for the officials will also be staged as a traditional Austrian evening.“


A strong winter sports tradition

The winter sports region around Salzburg has a long-standing tradition of hosting major winter sports events, including numerous World Championships. The 2026 Synchronized Skating World Championships will complement the province’s portfolio as a versatile sporting region.

The expertise in Figure Skating, particularly in Synchronized Skating, has been demonstrated over the past decade through the success of the young Sweet Mozart team with its multiple World Championships appearances, as well as through the organization of the Mozart Cup, one of Europe’s leading Synchronized Skating events.