SSA investing more than ever into the future of Australian Snowsports.

Ski & Snowboard Australia (SSA) is investing more than ever before into developing the next generation of Australian ski and snowboard talent. Over $500,000 per year is being invested into participation, talent identification and development initiatives with this figure likely to increase in the coming years.

Through initiatives such as the Emerging Talent Scholarships (ETS), Futures Camps and Clinics, Little Shredders, development of the Snowracer digital platform, along with dedicated coaches and support staff, SSA’s investment into the developing athlete pathways continues to grow.

Ski & Snowboard Australia CEO, Michael Kennedy, said the sport recognised that developing Australian talent and supporting athletes throughout their pathway is vital for the continued success of the sport.

“SSA has always been committed to developing home grown talent and ensuring the next generation of ski and snowboard athletes are supported throughout their career,” said Kennedy. “Importantly, this requires targeted investment in the athlete pathway and the development of coaches.”

“We are investing close to $500,000 per year into these vital areas. Additionally, the Board recently achieving an initial fundraising target of $500,000 to establishment an investment fund or foundation which will see further proceeds directed into the pathway programs.

“We are fortunate to receive ongoing investment from Sport Australia (formerly ASC) for sport development and participation along with contributions from the various chapters of Interschool snowsport competitions in Victoria and New South Wales. We are also benefitting from increased buy in from the various State Departments of Sport and Recreation to compliment the work we are doing.”

Australia’s reputation on the international stage speaks for itself, with our elite athletes representing us proudly claiming multiple Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship and World Cup medals.

The SSA athlete pathways are more than just about developing the next Olympians and Paralympians, it’s also about engaging new participants in the sport.

“Not only do we need to ensure that talent pool continues to grow here in Australia, we also want to get more young people participating and enjoying snow sports, no matter where they live.”

Key initiatives that underpin the SSA Participation & Sport Development Pathways include the following.

Emerging Talent Scholarship

The SSA ETS Program is designed to recognise and support talented, emerging athletes engaged in the SSA High Performance Pathway. The program works to deliver athlete outcomes based on a combination of individual and program support. This includes targeted performance camp invitations with National underpinning programs, a range of dry land activities and services and mentor programs with senior high-performance athletes. The program works across moguls, park and pipe, snowboard cross, alpine and cross country. For more details click here.

SSA Futures 

This is SSA’s athlete development and talent identification program to enhance the opportunities and resources for athletes in the SSA athlete pathway. SSA Futures programs aims to introduce pathway athletes to elite sporting opportunities, increase knowledge of the athlete pathway, provide athletes with superior technical coaching and performance opportunities as well as bridge the gap between Interschools competition. Futures program activities over the past few seasons have included Acro sessions, Park & Pipe, Ski & Snowboard Cross, Alpine mentoring sessions (pilot program) and Alpine Coordination Camps, Cross Country, Moguls TIP and Para Snowsports. For more details click here.

Little Shredders 

Little Shredders is focused on introducing children of all ages to snowsports with the aim of developing children's knowledge, physical preparedness and confidence to go to the snow. Little Shredders is part of the Sport Australia’s Sporting Schools program, with the sessions subsidized by the program and delivered on almost any surface or vacant space in schools using modified equipment. Each participant in the Little Shredders program receives a “Golden Ticket” which can be redeemed at any snow resort in Australia for two days free lift, lesson and equipment hire. For more details click here. 

Snowracer

The Snowracer initiative is a centralised platform for information, resources and engagement for snow sports competitions across all levels. The program introduced a range of initiatives such as SnowID that allows users to track their own performances, access a unique information portal and keep track of live timing, scoring and events. In 2018 the Snowracer App was launched and has engaged more Australian skiers and snowboarders in a single platform than ever before. For more details click here.

Interschools

Interschools Snowsports has grown to become one of the largest multi-sport winter events in the world. Held annually for over 60 years and hosted across several resorts in NSW and Victoria, the Interschool Snowsports competitions boast around 7,000 competitors across the spectrum of Snowsports disciplines including cross country, alpine, skicross, moguls, slopestyle, snowboard cross, snowboard giant slalom and slopestyle. The event has grown to include competitors from South Australia, Queensland along with ACT, Victoria and NSW. The event also includes a multi-class division which provides a unique opportunity for kids with special needs to participate.