Originally, it was planned to take place in Maribor, Slovenia in late January and early February,[1] but the Government of Slovenia overturned its decision to partially fund the project due to financial problems in February 2012.

After the FISU revoked the rights of Maribor, they began secret negotiations with the region of Trentino that, for financial reasons and a lack of sponsors, had withdrawn their bid to host the 2017 Winter Universiade.

Two weeks after the resignation of Maribor, negotiations were completed and Trentino was formalized as the new host region.

The factor that gave a boom for the negotiations was the fact that their infrastructure was ready and in use.As they,did not need improvement works.Later,the event was a scope to the winning bid for Milan and Cortina D'Ampezzo to host the 2026 Winter Olympics and the region will act as satelite venue hub.

The two optional sports chosen for the 2013 Winter Universiade were freestyle skiing and speed skating.