Australia's First-ever snow summit declared a success

The inaugural Snow Summit has been declared a resounding success marking a milestone moment for Australia’s snow industry. Over 5-6 May, experts from all sectors of the industry came together at Thredbo for two days of learning, collaboration and sector-wide planning with Snow Australia pleased to play a role in the event.

Hosted by Olympian Britt Cox, the two day event - which is an initiative of Snow Resorts Australia - saw the snow industry come together to explore the future challenges and opportunities of the sector, with key themes focusing on visitor experience, economic development, participation, workforce, technology, sustainability and climate adaptation.

Snow Australia’s General Manager of Participation and Sport Development, Steve Nelson, and Community Engagement Manager, Rebecca Clark, both took to the stage as speakers at the event.

Nelson conducted a focused discussion on how the Australian snow industry can build and sustain participation from first exposure through to lifelong engagement.

Athlete pathways from grassroots to elite, shaping aspiration, visibility and long term connection to the sport were topics of significant consideration, including, how the industry can build stronger connections between resorts, clubs, schools and national bodies can better support participation, progression and the overall health of the industry.

Clark’s session, ‘Women of Winter: Powering Participation, Leadership and Industry Sustainability’ drew on research from the forthcoming Women of Winter Action Plan.

The session outlined practical actions and the critical role of industry leadership in shaping culture and direction for women in snow. Specifically, it positioned women as a central component to participation growth, workforce stability, leadership continuity, and long-term industry sustainability.

The final activity of the summit involved a site visit to the National Snowsports Training Centre (NSTC).

Attendees toured the centre, airbag and dry ramp facilities, gaining an insight into the athlete development and progression facilities available to support the industry.