Cross Country Director Update - October 2026

Dear XC Skiing Community,

The six weeks since the August Update appear to have passed in the blink of an eye. It seems like only last week we were celebrating achievements and efforts of the skiing community at the inaugural XC Ball in Jindabyne, held the day after the National Interschools at Perisher. In the intervening period, there has also been the annual junior spring camp at Charlotte Pass, provisional selections of the 2027 national team, the official opening of the Biathlon Australia Nordic Training Centre in Jindabyne (the rollerski track and club-house), and a national team camp at the AIS.

For me, the XC Ball was the highlight. The gathering brought together the full spectrum of our community, from grassroots to elite; current and former athletes, volunteers, parents, race organisers, Olympians from 1984 to 2026, ski retailers, coaches, ski instructors and loosely connected ring-ins. It was a really fun evening with a great atmosphere, and also an effective fundraiser. The linked article below thanks the venue hosts, event sponsors, supporters of the fundraising auction and the community in general. I would also particularly like to thank Aleisha Dasilva, who pitched the concept and drove the organisation of the whole event; Katie Brown, who worked with Aleisha to coordinate the venue set-up and evening run-sheet; and again Bentley Walker-Broose for his outstanding work as MC.

I will leave our 2026-2027 international season preview until the next XC Update in November. For now, I encourage the cross country community to reflect on the 2026 Australian winter and the events and programs organised by Snow Australia and the clubs and committees under our umbrella. If there are aspects that we can improve, or new initiatives that would enhance our sport, please reach out and let us know. The XC National Discipline Committee will also meet in November to review and plan for next year. Feedback can be sent in via the xc@snow.org.au email address, via any of the Snow Australia NDC members, or anonymously via this linked online survey.

Best regards,

Finn Marsland
Cross Country Skiing Program Director

Read Full Update

Included in the update:

• XC Ball a Huge Success in Jindabyne
• XC Masters Update
• 6 Months on from MC26/ Rosie Fordham
• Official Opening of Biathlon Australia Nordic Training Centre
• Provisional 2026-2027 XC Team Selection
• Perisher XC News - October 2026
• Competing Overseas? Make Sure You are Ready