Women of Winter Wednesdays: Sue George

Behind the scenes of a busy Australian winter, are many people working hard to make sure that everyone visiting the snow has the best experience possible.

One of those is Sue George. 

“I manage the Mt Buller Ski and Snowboard School, a role that demands strong organisational skills, the ability to prioritise, and strong communication skills,” Sue said.

“Being a fully certified instructor plus tertiary qualifications has also assisted me in this role. Having the ability to train team members, develop new ideas and the knowledge to prepare and manage budgets is a must,” she said.

Leading a team of 370 members, staying on the forefront of coordination, team development and feedback is essential to deliver the best possible product to the guests of Mt Buller.

Working with such a large and diverse team of instructors and support staff is truly the highlight of my job.

“I love watching people grow, both professionally and personally, and seeing the impact our Ski and Snowboard School programs have on young skiers and snowboarders.

“Their passion for teaching, dedication, and commitment to creating an inclusive and inspiring environment have truly shaped my journey.

“Everyday I learn something new from them,” she said.

Whilst she sings the praises of the team she leads, Sue has had an aspirational career of her own. 

Having achieved her ski instructor qualifications in Australia and in the USA…. initially she began instructing, then transitioned to running programs overseas in the USA, Canada and France.

“One of my proudest achievements has been introducing Season Programs to the Ski & Snowboard School and growing these programs to now over 300 participants.

“These programs have allowed young athletes to grow and develop, many have gone on to specialist programs in freestyle or race,” she said. 

She feels a deep sense of accomplishment in fostering a genuine community and a culture of constant advancement among her guests, instructors, and the school as a whole.

Once the season has opened, no two days are the same, bringing new challenges and opportunities.

“I’m involved in coordinating lessons in all departments of the Ski & Snowboard School, guiding and mentoring supervisors, as well as providing ongoing feedback to the team,” she said.

Followed by various meetings from Senior Management to Fires Panel training, delivering of training to other departments, OHS (Occupational Health and Safety), psychological health, and interviews to provide suitable coaches to the freestyle & race clubs.

In the off season there is little down time. She's busily preparing for the following winter.

“It’s a busy schedule, but the energy and dedication of everyone involved makes it incredibly rewarding,” Sue said.

Through the encouragement of many colleagues, Sue has embraced challenges and pursued leadership opportunities.

Her biggest piece of advice to any young women wanting to get started in the snow industry is to put yourself out there.

“I see great opportunities for young women in various roles across the snow industry, including instructing, indoor kids’ assistants, sales, marketing, mountain operations, hospitality, and retail/rental.

“These areas offer valuable experiences and career growth for anyone willing to step in and make a difference,” she said.

And for those seeking out leadership opportunities.

“Take on new challenges, seek out mentors, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas.

“Leadership is about building relationships, supporting your team, and being open to learning every day,” she said.