Building the Next Generation: NSTC SnowReady – Interschools Scholarship Pilot Program

The future of Australian snowsports is looking brighter than ever, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Snow Australia, Perisher, and Thredbo. This winter, the NSTC SnowReady – Interschools Scholarship Pilot Program opened new doors for young competitors from New South Wales, the ACT, and Queensland, offering them a unique opportunity to develop their skills and confidence off the snow.

Held at the National Snowsports Training Centre (NSTC) in Jindabyne, the program brought together 120 club and non-club participants aged 8 to 15 for a full day of dry-land training, featuring airbag sessions, acro-gymnastics, and educational workshops for both athletes and parents.

For many participants, this was their first introduction to the NSTC, underscoring the program’s success in broadening awareness and engagement across the snowsports community. Both participants and parents highlighted the value of the airbag and acro sessions, noting that the combination strengthened technical skills and boosted on-snow confidence. The program’s impact was evident, with the majority of respondents agreeing that their technical ability had improved and that their on-snow performance benefited directly from the training.

Parents and athletes shared inspiring stories of growth and achievement. One parent remarked, “The Q&A with Olympians was unexpectedly beneficial and inspiring,” while another shared, “My child was more confident on snow the following weekend after the airbag session.” The NSTC facilities were widely praised for providing a safe and supportive environment for skill development.

This program would not have been possible without the generous support and partnership of Perisher and Thredbo. Their commitment to fostering the next generation of snowsports athletes has made a tangible difference in the lives of young people and their families. Snow Australia extends its heartfelt thanks to both resorts for their vision, collaboration, and ongoing dedication to the sport.