Changing of the guard for Action Sports Training centre in Jindabyne

After more than 30 years of operations, the Berchtold family have sold Action Sports Training (AST) to Snow Australia, with day-to-day management of the centre to transition in time for Term 1 programs.

AST has been in operation since 1988, initially as the Jindabyne Trampoline Club, and has been owned and operated by the Berchtold family since its inception. AST operates community acrobatic programs from the custom-built training facility inside the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre.

Under Snow Australia’s management, it is intended to be “business as usual” for the popular community and schools’ programs, which provide training and classes to over 400 local children each week during the busy periods. 

Snow Australia is working with the NSW Government to redevelop the precinct into a world class National Snowsports Training Centre and the acrobatic facility is an important component of the vision. Snow Australia CEO Michael Kennedy said the acquisition of AST is an important milestone in Snow Australia’s journey to develop a top level training venue for all snowsports athletes in Jindabyne. “This is another big step forward towards our vision of creating world-class training facilities and a permanent base for our athletes at elite, development and community levels, where they can train off-snow all year round. Our intention is to build on the legacy that Andrea and Ursula have created with AST and to integrate acrobatic training into our operations in Jindabyne, which is growing every year."

Local Board Director Steve Cooper confirmed a commitment from Snow Australia to continue the work and objectives of the Berchtold family’s 32-year involvement with local athlete development, and community connection and support. “Like many Snowy Mountains families, we too have experienced Ursula and Andrea’s inspiring energy and expertise in creating opportunities for local children at many levels. Snow Australia is committed to maintaining that level of experience for future generations, and we look forward to continuing AST Community support programs such as the annual June Long Weekend Snowsports Sale at the Jindabyne Community Hall,” Cooper said. 

In the past week, work has commenced on the first stage of the National Snowsports Training Centre development. Construction has begun on the Olympic-size airbag facility, the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, and other upgrades to the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre will follow. The Centre will serve as the base for Snow Australia’s high-performance programs and already includes office space, accommodation for athletes, a gym and other training facilities. 

Snow Australia will shortly publish information about Community Acrobatic programs beginning February 2021.