Snow Academy Update

Officials Courses Coming Soon

With the 2020 season coming to a close, Snow Australia have already started planning new educational courses aimed at supporting Officials’ education ahead of next winter.

Race Officials e-learning courses, specifically targeted at Interschools and Race Club volunteers, are being designed as part of the Snow Academy program and will be delivered online, prior to the 2021 season.

The use of online platforms will allow even more volunteers to access crucial information and helpful sport-specific knowledge before they get to the race course.

"Volunteers are one of our most valuable resources in the snow community. The educational materials we are preparing will ensure a more enjoyable experience for all the people who give up their time for free to make our competitions possible," said National Participation and Sport Development Manager Steve Nelson.

"These courses will also assist Race Clubs and Resorts as they continue to provide world class events. We want to improve the race experience for Australian athletes of all ages, in both the Participation and Performance pathways," he said.

Coaching Fundamentals Course - Free Enrolment Ending Soon

Snow Australia’s Coaching Fundamentals 1 courses were launched in July as part of the Snow Academy's coach education and accreditation framework.

These Level 1 courses, available free until October 1, are pitched at instructors, ex-athletes and other prospective winter sport coaches. For 2020 only, these provide current or recently expired coaches an opportunity to upgrade their accreditation.

Snow Australia's Coach Education Coordinator Finn Marsland is pleased by the uptake of the program so far.

"The initiative has been well received by the coaching community, with over 60 coaches taking the opportunity to access the materials provided, and more than half of the registered participants already completing discipline-specific modules,” Marsland said.

“These e-learning platforms have been important during such a difficult season and have allowed us to continue supporting our coaches' education. The next discipline module, focused on Cross-Country skiing, is almost ready to launch," he said.

Although the on-snow Coach Workshops, planned for September 2020, had to be cancelled due to snow conditions and persisting COVID-19 related restrictions, interested coaches can still enrol in the Level 1 Coaching Fundamental online course for free until 1 October at this link - click here