Shift Gears, Save the Winter!

Project Summary & Concept
"Shift Gears, Save the Winter!" is a youth exchange concept that connects winter sports enthusiasts and cyclists around a shared goal: climate action and eco-friendly mobility.

The project addresses the cause-and-effect relationship of climate change through a unique lens. Winter sports lovers bring the "problem" to the table (melting glaciers, shorter ski seasons), while cyclists bring a tangible "solution" (micromobility, reducing carbon footprints).

Our Core Message: What you do in the city during summer (choosing a bike over a car) directly impacts whether you will be able to ski in the mountains during winter.

Main Activities During the Exchange
Carbon Footprint Simulation: Role-playing games and interactive workshops where young people calculate the CO2 emissions of different transport methods.

Video Campaign Creation: Participants will produce short TikTok/Reels and social media content to raise awareness about how cycling can help save our winters.

"Bike Kitchen" Workshop: In the spirit of the circular economy, participants will learn basic bicycle maintenance. They will repair and upcycle old, abandoned bikes, which will then be donated to local communities or people in need.

"Leave No Trace" Outdoor Training: Practical outdoor sessions focusing on how to practice sports in nature responsibly, ensuring zero harm to the local flora and fauna.

The Combined Low-Carbon Challenge: Planning and executing a multi-day mini-trip where the group moves from one location to another exclusively using sustainable mobility (cycling, skating, or skiing depending on the weather), minimizing the logistical carbon footprint.

Partner Profile Sought
We are looking for reliable and enthusiastic Erasmus+ partners (NGOs, youth groups, or informal groups) who are passionate about environmental protection, sports, and youth empowerment.

Target Countries: Open to all, but partners from Italy