Alpine Snowboard FUTURES inspires next generation of snow sport competitors

Alpine Snowboard FUTURES, a skill development initiative by Snow Australia with support from the Alpine Snowboard National Team athletes and PWSC Coaches, was held this week at Perisher on 15th July.

The program is designed to prepare riders for Snowboard Alpine competition with exposure to technical elements of Alpine Snowboarding.

Snow Australia FUTURES has a vision to “inspire the next generation of Snowsport competitors by offering unique opportunities for participants to engage with High-Performance athletes, staff, and facilities.”

Those who were lucky enough to attend this week received coaching from some of the best.

Nathan de Kretser, Snow Australia Sport Development Officer shared "It was inspiring to see the next generation of Alpine Snowboard racers in full flight at the Alpine Snowboard FUTURES.

"The participants received expert advice from National Team athlete Harvey Edmanson and two-time Alpine Snowboard Olympian, Zeke Steggall.

"It was a great turn out and showcased the breadth of snowboard racing talent that exists within Australia at the club level.

"A big thank you to Perisher and the Perisher Winter Sports Club for helping us pull the day together."

In addition to Edmanson and Steggell, PWSC coaches Luka Dasovic, Jack Goddard and James Sinclair were also on hand to guide the athletes.

The next Snow Australia FUTURES event takes place this weekend when the Para FUTURES is held at Perisher and the National Snowsports Training Centre in Jindabyne.

Snow Australia FUTURES programs aims to:

• Introduce participants to unique sporting opportunities and expert Snowsport athletes and coaches.

• Engage National Team athletes and programs in pathway development initiatives.

• Encourage participation in domestic ski and snowboard events.

• Facilitate interactions between competitive Snowsport participants within the national cohort.

• Introduce participants to elements of high-performance sport and practices.

• Provide education on the Snow Australia FTEM athlete pathway and the various opportunities, resources, and programs available to Australian Snowsport participants.

• Connect areas of the athlete pathway between interschools participation, Snow Australia pathway providers and ETP.

Alpine Snowboard FUTURES participants should be interested in joining or already involved in a pathway program and have the skills required to ride on a competition level GS course.  The prerequisite skills should include confidence to link turns and navigate snowboard gates on a medium to steep slope.

Target age is 10 – 19 (as of 31st December 2024).

More information at Snow Australia 

Image. Credit: Snow Australia