New VIC XC Committee Under Snow Australia

In 2022 a group of cross-country skiing enthusiasts met around Victoria and online with the aim of rebooting a committee to provide direction and support for cross country ski racing in Victoria. The outcome of these meetings was the formation of VIC XC, a Victorian Cross Country Committee that sits under and reports to the Snow Australia Cross Country Committee (SAXC).

Taking the reins as the chair of the new committee is Tim Clarke. Tim originally hails from Melbourne, and raced through the 90's with frequent trips to Lake Mountain and Falls Creek, wearing out many cassette tapes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and the Pumpkins in the process. During this time, Tim also initiated the Lake Mountain Ski Club, which had a focus on training camps and supporting those interested in racing, and above all having fun. Tim now resides in Tawonga South, and is keen to help the sport further, as are all members of the Vic XC committee.

"There are some good people around the state helping to improve cross country skiing, whether it being running training sessions, offering coaching services, or driving a group of kids to a training location. Hopefully the new Vic XC committee can continue to foster and encourage this to keep happening and provide a coordinated approach for further development across Victoria"

Presently VIC XC has four main focuses, being events, athlete development, sport development, and general cross country ski racing promotion.

On the athlete development side, VIC XC has two main aims for 2023. First, re-building the Victorian Junior Squad that dropped off in numbers during the two years of Covid-19 affected winters. And second, implementing a winter-long on-snow coaching and training program in a similar fashion to that operated at Perisher by NSWACT XC.

"It is important to provide a clear pathway from the sports grass roots level all the way through to Olympic competition, but also ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate regardless of their ability. With the right structures in place anyone who wants to give cross country ski racing a go will be able to join in on training activities and receive guidance from a coach or experienced skiers, and have lots of fun along the way."

Between now and the winter the Victorian Junior Squad plans to run camps and activities around the following events:

• April 15/16 - Australian Rollerski Championship, Canberra  - Event support
• April 29/30 - Victorian Rollerski Championship, Melbourne & Lake Mountain - Event support and information meeting
• May 20/21 - Mount Beauty Running Festival - Weekend training camp

For more information, contact: Tim Clarke on 0400 593 350 or VICXCCOM@gmail.com, or Snow Australia Cross Country Program Director Finn Marsland on 0408147940 or fmarsland@snow.org.au