National Snowsports Training Centre hosts Emerging Talent Program launch camp

The 2026 Emerging Talent Program (ETP) athletes took over the National Snowsports Training Facility (NSTC) in Jindabyne over the weekend for the annual launch camp. 

Spanning 13 snow disciplines, athletes and coaches took part in a jam packed three day schedule across all aspects of athlete development.

Athletes and coaches participated in a wide range of sessions including discipline specific simulator sessions, coach/athlete sessions, an interdisciplinary challenge, strength and conditioning practical education and goal setting. 

Olympic champion Josie Baff, three-time Olympic snowboard cross athlete  Adam Lambert, outgoing NSTC General Manager Cathy Lambert and current Head Mogul Coach for Team Buller Riders (TBR) Paris Speirs opened the camp with a panel for coaches, parents and athletes. 

Hearing from those who have reached the pinnacle for snowsports was inspiring for the next generation, including ETP Snowboard Cross athlete Gracie Byron.

“It’s been fun to be around coaches and athletes that share the same dream as you,’ Byron said.

For Byron, a key lesson she learnt during her time at the ETP launch camp at the NSTC, is how important mental strength is.

“The importance of mindset…It can really shape how you do everything,” she said.

Mogul skier George Walker enjoyed his time at the camp, noting how great it was to be amongst peers and learning from some of the industry’s best coaches.

“I’m absolutely loving it, coaches are hyped, athletes are hyped, it's awesome,” he said.

A highlight for the emerging mogul skier was the physical screening session.

“It’s a real mental push, and it's great to get the numbers back,” Walker said.

“Testing isn’t about us versus other athletes, it is about us versus ourselves,” he said.

Being a member of the 2026 ETP cohort to Walker means being able to share the passion for snow and his sport with all disciplines.

“In moguls the combination of technical ability, freestyle and air and bringing them together is why I love it so much,” he said. 

To find out more about the Snow Australia Emerging Talent Program, and the 2026 cohort - click here