Women of Winter: Ali Bombardier
Published Tue 08 Mar 2022
Tuesday 8 March celebrates International Women’s Day, and this year, it also coincides with the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games. Therefore, who better to profile in this month’s Women of Winer series than Team Manager and Assistant Coach of the Australian Paralympic Alpine Team, Ali Bombardier.
Ali started her career in snow as an alpine skier, and has held several roles in the industry, including working as the Alpine Head Coach at Perisher Winter Sports Club prior to her current role as the Clubs’ Winter Sports Manager. She was the FIS Program Head Coach at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Team before becoming the Alpine Race Director for World Para Alpine Skiing where she oversaw the running of World Cups, World Championships & Paralympics.
Currently, Ali is in China managing Australia’s Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Team.
Ali, describe your role or involvement in the Snow industry
I am currently the manager and assistant coach for the Australian Paralympic Alpine Team. My other snowsports roles include: Winter Sports Manager at Perisher Resort, overseeing Race and Event operations and the Perisher Winter Sports Club, a FIS Alpine technical delegate, and as a Board Member for Snow Australia’s Alpine Commitee, and Park & Pipe Committee.
When did you decide that you wanted to work in the snow industry?
I took a 'year off' after finishing my university degree [in science] to teach skiing and travel, and it has been quite a long year…
I’ve had lots of amazing opportunities along the way, including 30 back-to-back winters and lots of adventures.
What drives you to be the best you can be?
There are always internal drivers, but I like to surround myself with a team who will push me and us to be the best.
I will work as hard as I can for my team as I know they will put in the same effort to support me and our vision.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received in your career?
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone
Is there anything else you would like to share with other women in this industry?
Anything and everything is possible, if there is something out there you would like to do, give it a try- do your research, ask lots of questions, be prepared and get in there. The snowsports industry is an exciting, amazing industry to work in- no two days are the same!
And if you love a sunrise and occasional sunset- you will be right at home.
