In The Spotlight #4 - Alpine Children’s Program

Since 2011 Ski and Snowboard Australia (SSA) has been hosting the National Alpine Children’s Program, giving young Australians the chance to build the foundations for future alpine skiing success.

The SSA National Alpine Children’s program is based in the Northern Hemisphere out of Leogang, in the heart of the Salzburger Land, Austria. The program is run by Christof “Stoffl” Maier, an accomplished Austrian ski coach, instructor and guide. Previously the National Development Team Program Provider from 2008 to 2010, Maier started the Children’s program and has been coaching the team since 2011.

The program starts each season at the beginning of December and concludes in the middle of April. It is designed to give the athletes the chance to train in a competitive environment and regularly compete with the best. It aims to develop its members to be competitive at Austrian and European level.

“Australia’s best young athletes working with Australia’s best coaches in the heart of one of the world’s best training locations,” Maier said. “It is a key platform for future success!”

The season coming to a close shortly has seen 25 children between the ages of 12 and 15. One of the standout athletes this season according to Maier has been 15-year-old Warwick Crawford. A Mt Buller Race Club member from Mansfield, Victoria, Crawford has proven his competitiveness at the Austrian regional and state level.

“He has shown the necessary commitment to the sport and to training in general (on- and off-snow) at a young age already,” Maier said. “He is disciplined to tick all required boxes to become a professional and successful athlete.”

Whilst part of the program in Leogang, the children undertake a variety of on-snow content across all alpine disciplines. Off the snow they undertake a range of activities such as physical conditioning, ski tuning and sport nutrition workshops for example.

New to the program this year has been the implementation of an Australian school academic program. With the support of a school teacher from Australian Athlete Tutoring, athletes have been following the Australian curriculum and attended school in Leogang most afternoons for two and a half hours. The tutor lives on campus at Austraia House and ensures the educational outcomes of the athletes in addition to their sporting commitments.

The young athletes also undertake a selection of other activities such as indoor rock climbing, ice skating, spa, cultural activities and attending World Cup events.