Thredbo embraces Alpine National Skills Assessments

On the second leg of SSA’s alpine National Skills Assessments, Alpine Director Brad Wall and the alpine team headed to Thredbo to for two days of testing and goal setting with young developing skiers last week.

The Assessments were part of the Thredbo Ski Racing Club (TSRC) programming with a high turnout from club members on both days.

Day one saw 20 FIS and under 16 skiers split into groups to work with assessors Shawn Fleming (OWIA Head SX Coach), Craig Branch (3 time Olympian), Brad Wall (outgoing Alpine Director), Joe Draxl (TSRC Head Coach) and Stefan Moser (TSRC Head FIS Coach).  

Day two saw a massive day with 60 athletes from TSRC, Thredbo Ski School seasonal programs and the Mountain Academy and Development Squad. 

“It was great to extend the National Skills Assessment into programs which involve all skiing disciplines, including moguls, slope style, park & pipe.” Wall said.

“The athletes were shown skill progressions relevant to each of the four primary skill areas of pressure, edging, rotary and balance, which are relevant across all disciplines.”

The assessments wrapped up with a Q&A session back at the TSRC Clubhouse where the young athletes had plenty of questions for the coaches, and in particular for Craig Branch about his experience at World Cup and Olympic level competition.

“It was a great couple of days with everyone putting up a big effort to do their best. It was awesome having the Thredbo Ski School programs involved, and great to see so many of their coaches helping out and keeping the energy levels high.” Wall said.

Thanks to Kosciuszko Thredbo for the great hill space, and TSRC for the use of their equipment and facilities.

Next stop Mt Hotham for Assessments 7-8 July

Register here for Hotham Alpine National Skills Assessments

Alexandra Rouse
Ski & Snowboard Australia

The National Skills Assessment is an initiative of SSA’s National Alpine Committee that encourages alpine skiers, whether at Interschools or World Cup level, to take part in the assessments to understand their current skill level and get feedback about what they should be working on in order to progress to an elite level.