Women of Winter Networking Events - Tickets available for Jindabyne
Published Fri 05 Jun 2026
Women of Winter, a Snow Australia initiative dedicated to supporting and empowering women in snowsports to achieve their full potential, will be hosting a series of networking events this season.
These events are open to everyone — including allies — who are passionate about building a more inclusive and supportive snowsports community. They offer a valuable opportunity to connect with people across the snow industry, share experiences, and explore career pathways.
Whether you’re an experienced professional, just starting out, or looking to support and champion women in the industry, these events are designed to bring people together and strengthen representation across all levels of the sport.
The first networking event will be held in Jindabyne on Sunday July 12.
The Jindabyne Networking Event is in collaboration with Advancing Women in Snowsports, which actively promotes the role of women and creates opportunities to empower females to participate and pursue a career in Snowsports Instruction.
The evening will feature a panel of industry leaders whose experiences bring a unique perspective shaped by years of dedication to snow sports, and their stories will highlight the realities of sustaining long‑term success, prioritising physical and mental wellbeing, and fostering supportive environments. Together, they will offer valuable insights into what it takes to thrive as women in winter sport and beyond.
Meet the Panellists
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Manuela Berchtold is a two‑time Australian Winter Olympian. After retiring from elite competition after a 12 year International career in mogul skiing, , Manuela founded High Country Fitness, where she has become a highly regarded coach, mentor, and community leader. Through her work, she has supported athletes at all levels—from grassroots participants to future Olympians—while championing long‑term athlete development and holistic wellbeing. Today, Manuela is celebrated not only for her athletic achievements but also for her leadership, resilience, and long‑standing contribution to the Australian snow sports community. |
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With over a decade of experience across Australia, Japan, and Switzerland as a ski instructor, Shea de Lorenzo currently serves as the Member Service Officer for APSI.As an active APSI Advancing Women in Snowsports Committee Member, Shea champions initiatives that expand pathways for women in snowsports, strengthen representation, and foster inclusive leadership across the industry. Five years ago, a severe ski accident required her to relearn how to walk. Through determination and extensive rehabilitation, she is now progressing through the APSI Level 4 certification pathway, bringing lived experience in resilience, recovery, and high‑performance development to the instructor community. Shea is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership in snowsports, committed to building supportive networks, elevating female voices, and creating sustainable pathways for women to thrive as instructors, trainers, and industry leaders. |
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Elaine Purser is a HR and Talent leader, who has worked across London, Zurich, and Australia in the private, government and not‑for‑profit sectors. Her career began in foreign government, followed by roles at Google London and Australian not‑for‑profits, delivering HR and learning initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia. With strong consulting experience from running her own HR consultancy between Switzerland and Australia, she has supported organisations in leadership development, team coaching and organisational learning. Elaine is currently Senior Manager – Talent and Culture at Vail Resorts, leading enterprise‑wide talent, leadership, culture and engagement strategies, and is a founding member of the Vail Resorts Australia Women and Allies ERG. A passionate advocate for organisational psychology and healthy workplace cultures, she is especially committed to strengthening people and leadership within the snow industry. |
