U.S. Deaf Ski & Snowboard Association Prepares for the 2027 Winter Deaflympics in Innsbruck

Whit Williams racing down the slope

The countdown has begun for the 2027 Winter Deaflympics, set to take place in Innsbruck, Austria. Athletes from around the world will gather in the heart of the Alps from January 15–24, 2027 to compete at the highest level of winter sports, showcasing skill, determination, and national pride.

For Team USA, the U.S. Deaf Ski & Snowboard Association (USDSSA) is proud to announce that it will host virtual tryouts for athletes seeking to join the national teams in alpine snowboarding, freestyle snowboarding, alpine skiing, and cross-country skiing. This approach ensures that athletes across the country have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities while eliminating many of the barriers of in-person selection events.

Preparing for Tryouts

Athletes are encouraged to sharpen their competitive edge by entering local and regional events organized by their respective ski and snowboard clubs, as well as competitions hosted by ski resorts. These experiences will provide valuable training and evaluation opportunities, ensuring that competitors are ready to perform at their best when official tryouts open.

Next Steps

Detailed information about the virtual tryout process—including registration, video submission guidelines, and evaluation criteria—will be released in the coming months. USDSSA recommends that interested athletes begin preparing now by focusing on conditioning, competition readiness, and familiarity with event formats.

The Deaflympics represent more than just competition—they are a celebration of athletic excellence, cultural pride, and international unity. Team USA looks forward to sending its strongest competitors to represent the country on the global stage in Innsbruck.

Stay tuned for more updates from USDSSA as the road to the 2027 Winter Deaflympics continues.