Winter festivals bring unique magic – twinkling lights on snow-laden landscapes – but also unique challenges for accessibility. Festival producers must plan proactively so that even in freezing temperatures and slippery conditions, attendees of all abilities can participate safely and comfortably. This isn’t just about being inclusive (though that’s reason enough); it’s also often a legal obligation and a reputation concern. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people (16% of the world’s population) live with some form of disability (time.ly). In an era where a single bad experience can spark public backlash on social media (directaccessgp.com), making your winter festival accessible is both the right thing to do and essential for your event’s success.
Prioritize Snow Removal on Accessible Routes
When snow falls, accessible routes should be the first paths you clear and the ones you keep clearest throughout the event. This means plowing, shoveling, and de-icing disabled parking areas, access aisles, ramps, and pathways to entrances before anything else. People using wheelchairs or walkers simply cannot traverse snow drifts or icy sidewalks – what might be a minor inconvenience for others could be an impassable barrier or slipping hazard for them (abilitycenter.org). Make it a policy that your operations team tackles these critical pathways immediately when winter weather hits. Assign dedicated staff to monitor and re-clear these routes continuously, as snow and ice can re-accumulate.
Make these pathways the widest and brightest on site. Clear snow to a generous width (far beyond the minimum 36 inches/0.9 m ADA requirement, aiming for at least 5–6 feet or 1.5–1.8 m where possible so two mobility devices or an aide and wheelchair can comfortably pass). Pile snow to the sides in a way that doesn’t encroach back on the path. Then ensure excellent lighting and high visibility: Winter days are short, and snow glare or early darkness can obscure ground conditions. String up extra lights or use stand-alone flood lamps to keep accessible routes well-lit at night. You can also mark the edges of ramps and pathways with reflective tape or brightly colored stakes for contrast. A clearly visible, wide path isn’t just safer for those with limited mobility – it signals to all attendees that this route is important and should be kept unobstructed. For example, a major winter event in New Zealand created a dedicated wider entry lane at its front gate for wheelchair users and VIPs, ensuring they didn’t have to squeeze through crowd bottlenecks. By prioritizing and illuminating the main accessible arteries of your site, you minimize the risk of accidents and show attendees with disabilities that their access is a primary concern.
Use Wheelchair-Friendly Mats and Traction Aids
Snow and ice can turn festival grounds into a slippery obstacle course. Combat this by deploying temporary ground mats and traction aids, especially on ramps and any inclined or uneven surfaces. Sturdy, slip-resistant mats (often made of heavy-duty plastic or rubber) can create instant walkways over snow, mud, or icy ground. These portable pathways provide a stable, non-slip surface for wheelchair wheels and other mobility aids to grip, instead of sinking into snow or skidding on ice. Ground protection matting isn’t just for vehicle roads – it’s a lifesaver for pedestrian routes at festivals, making them safer and more accessible for everyone. Many festivals in Europe and North America hire or buy such mats to lay over fields or snowpack, ensuring continuous access to stage areas, food courts, and restrooms regardless of weather.
Pay special attention to wheelchair ramps and any short inclined planes (like over curbs or cables). Standard metal or wooden ramp surfaces can become dangerously slick when wet or frozen. One smart solution is to use ramps or attachments with an open mesh or perforated surface, which allows snow and water to drain through instead of icing over. This design greatly reduces slippery buildup and even provides better wheel grip on the ramp. If your festival uses portable ramps, consider models with anti-slip tread or grit coatings. You can also apply adhesive non-slip strips on ramp surfaces for extra traction. In areas with heavy ice, place traction mats at the foot of ramps – for instance, rubberized welcome mats or specialized wheelchair traction mats – to help tires get a good grip before ascending/descending. Always have a supply of sand or gravel to sprinkle for immediate traction in icy spots (avoid kitty litter or wood chips, which can turn to mush or tangle in wheels).
Maintain ramps diligently throughout the event. Ramps are inclined planes, which means even a light frost can make them hazardous. Keep them clear: use a broom or a plastic snow shovel (metal shovels can gouge or damage ramp surfaces and mats) to remove snow promptly. If you need to de-ice, opt for gentler agents – for example, a magnesium chloride “pet-safe” de-icer instead of rock salt, which can corrode metal and wood (www.rehabmedical.com). (Salt can also be less effective in extremely low temperatures, whereas certain liquid de-icers work better.) By equipping your team with the right tools – from non-slip mats to proper shovels and de-icing supplies – you’ll keep critical routes safe. Not only does this prevent accidents, it spares your crew from frantic last-minute fixes. A well-placed mat or timely salting can turn a would-be skating rink back into a reliable pathway in minutes.
Provide Heated Viewing Platforms and Nearby Seating
Outdoor festivals in winter can be hard on anyone, but especially those with disabilities who may not be able to move around frequently to stay warm. A key inclusive practice is to offer accessible viewing areas that are as comfortable as possible in cold conditions. If your event has a stage or performance area, plan a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform (or ground-level viewing zone) that gives a clear sightline. For winter conditions, go a step further: make that platform or area heated or sheltered. This could mean setting up overhead outdoor heaters (like propane-powered heat lamps or electric radiant panels) directed at the accessible viewing deck. Even a couple of well-placed patio heaters can raise the temperature in a small viewing section and take the edge off the cold. In regions with extreme cold or wind, consider partially enclosing the platform with windbreak walls or a tented canopy (while still ensuring it’s open enough to see and hear the show). The flooring of the platform should be solid and dry – if it’s metal, lay down insulated mats or carpeting so wheelchairs don’t sit directly on frigid surfaces. Remember, some attendees (e.g. those with limited circulation or who must remain seated) feel the cold more intensely, so providing a warmer zone is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity for them to enjoy the event.
Additionally, ensure there is seating and space for companions or those with less visible disabilities in this area. Many people who don’t use wheelchairs still can’t stand for long periods on icy ground. Provide a few sturdy benches or chairs on the platform or nearby, so that anyone who needs a rest can do so without retreating from the activity. These seats should also be warmed if possible (even if just by being in the heated zone). Locate accessible viewing and seating areas within quick reach of essential services. Ideally, the accessible platform should be close to first aid stations, accessible restrooms, and maybe a concessions stand or warming tent. This way, a person with mobility challenges doesn’t have to trek far across frozen terrain to get to a toilet or seek help. Clustering amenities reduces travel distance over snow and ice. For example, one snowy music festival ensured that the accessible toilets were positioned right next to the medical tent and clearly marked on the site map (snow-machine.com) – a thoughtful layout that meant disabled attendees could find facilities and assistance easily without exposure to the cold for long. Similarly, try to station event staff or volunteers near the accessible viewing area; they can assist with fetching items (like hot drinks or extra blankets) and be on hand in case of any issues. By creating a warm, conveniently located oasis for disabled festival-goers, you empower them to stay longer and enjoy more of the festival instead of being forced to leave early due to discomfort or fatigue.
Share Photos, Measurements and Info in Advance
Accessibility at a winter festival isn’t just about the physical modifications – it’s also about communication and expectation-setting. Seasoned festival organizers make a point to share detailed accessibility information with ticket buyers well before the event. This is especially crucial when snow and ice are factors, so attendees with disabilities can plan ahead for the environment. On your festival website and marketing materials, include a dedicated Accessibility Guide or FAQ section for the event. Outline all the accommodations and winter-specific measures you’ve put in place: for example, mention that pathways will be plowed and specify the surfaces (e.g. “all main walkways are on hard-packed snow or matting”), note the availability of heated viewing areas, and describe the locations of accessible facilities. Providing photos and key measurements can significantly help attendees visualize and prepare. For instance, you might share a photo of the accessible entrance ramp covered with traction mats, or a snapshot of the viewing platform with heaters, along with notes like “Ramp width is 1.2 m with a 1:12 slope” or “Platform is 15 m from stage, enclosed on three sides, with an average temperature ~10°C when heated.” When people can see the setup, they’ll know what mobility aids or clothing to bring (e.g. snow tires for wheelchairs, or extra blankets) and feel more confident that their needs are understood.
Be transparent and specific with details. Disabled attendees greatly appreciate knowing exactly what to expect. If certain areas are challenging, say so plainly (but also say what help is available). For example, instead of vaguely stating “the venue might be difficult for wheelchairs,” provide concrete facts: “Note: the path from Gate 2 to the ice rink has a 30-meter stretch of compacted snow and a mild incline” or “There is one step at the Hall entrance; a ramp will be available to install as needed.” Listing measurements like distance (“parking is 50 m from entrance”), doorway widths, ramp grades, and restroom dimensions allows individuals to judge for themselves if the event is accessible to them. One UK festival’s publicity, for instance, highlighted “two reserved parking spaces 5 meters from the front gate, a level entrance from the car park, and accessible toilets on site,” (www.seedsforchange.org.uk) giving potential attendees a clear picture. By offering such factual info (and a contact for further questions), you empower guests to make informed decisions and requests.
Don’t forget to share a layout map with icons for all accessibility features (routes, toilets, parking, viewing areas, etc.) and consider sending updates as the event approaches – for example, if a blizzard hits the day before, update your site or social media to reassure attendees that paths will be cleared and how you’re handling the snow. Providing information up front not only helps people with disabilities plan their visit, it also demonstrates that your festival truly values their attendance. This level of care and transparency can turn nervous first-time attendees into lifelong fans.
Key Takeaways
- Clear Accessible Routes First: Always remove snow and ice from disabled parking, pathways, and entrances before general areas. Keep these routes extra-wide (aim for 1.5–2 m) and well-lit so they remain safe and easy to spot (abilitycenter.org) (snow-machine.com).
- Use Mats and Traction Aids: Lay down temporary wheelchair-friendly mats on snow or slippery ground to create stable walkways. Add non-slip traction on ramps (rubber mats, grit strips, or mesh surfaces) to prevent wheelchairs and walkers from skidding. Regularly broom off snow and apply ice melt (e.g., pet-safe magnesium chloride instead of corrosive salt) to keep surfaces clear (www.rehabmedical.com).
- Heated, Convenient Viewing Areas: Provide an accessible viewing platform with heaters or wind protection so disabled attendees can stay warm. Include nearby seating for those who need it, and locate this area close to key services like medical and toilets for minimal travel in the cold (snow-machine.com).
- Communicate and Show Your Plan: Publish an accessibility guide ahead of time with photos, maps, and measurements of facilities. Being transparent and specific helps guests plan and shows you take accessibility seriously. Invite people to contact your team with any special needs or questions.
By integrating these practices into your winter festival planning, you ensure that snow and ice don’t freeze anyone out of the fun. An accessible festival is a successful festival – it warms the hearts of your audience (literally, in some cases!) and upholds the principle that everyone gets to share in the season’s joy, no matter the weather.
27th September 2025