Dear Snowboard Community,

While the Australian winter was shorter than many of us had hoped, it was fantastic to see so many athletes, coaches, officials and families making the most of every opportunity on snow. The enthusiasm, resilience and commitment shown across the snowboard community throughout the season was a great reminder of the strength and passion within our sport.

One of the highlights of the winter was the Alpine Snowboard FUTURES program in Thredbo, which recorded its largest participation numbers to date. Designed to introduce athletes to snowboard alpine racing and inspire the next generation, the program provides riders with skill development opportunities, access to coaching, and exposure to high-performance training alongside National Team athletes on a Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) course. The camp was followed by a PGS competition that attracted more than 70 competitors, highlighting the continued growth, enthusiasm and strength of the alpine snowboard community.

Mt Hotham was another hub of activity throughout the season, hosting both the Snowboard Cross and Ski Cross FUTURES program and ANC competitions. A total of 91 athletes from across Snowboard Cross and Ski Cross attended this year's FUTURES, providing developing athletes with the opportunity to train alongside high-performance athletes and coaches, build new skills, and gain valuable on-snow experience. The week also featured exciting competition, with emerging Australian athletes competing alongside some of Australia's leading Snowboard Cross and Ski Cross athletes.

Looking ahead, many of our athletes are beginning preparations for the Northern Hemisphere season. As international competition approaches, athletes are focused on their final preparations for another exciting period of racing and competition overseas. We wish everyone travelling abroad the very best for a successful and rewarding season ahead. If you are considering competing overseas this year and are unsure what you need to organise, please see the information below, which outlines the key requirements.

We are also encouraging eligible university athletes to express their interest in representing Australia at the 2027 World University Games in Changchun, China. Taking place from 15-25 January 2027, the Games provide a valuable opportunity for student-athletes to compete on the international stage. Alpine Snowboard will be included in the program, while Snowboard Cross will not feature at the Games. Expressions of Interest close on 30 September 2026.

In this edition, we also catch up with our SBX Olympic athletes six months on from the Milano Cortina Olympics as they share their reflections, insights and experiences from their Olympic journey. Be sure to read their stories below.

Finally, a sincere thank you to the resort staff, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and athletes, along with everyone behind the scenes who helped make the season possible. Despite the challenges of a shorter winter, your passion, commitment and support ensured another memorable season for our snowboard community. We look forward to staying connected with you and following the successes of our athletes in the months ahead.

All the best,

National Snowboard Committee
Snow Australia

JOSIE BAFF - Born and raised Snowy Mountains, Josie has been on the pathway to success for a long time and arguably came into the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics as a medal favourite. Her years on the slopes from a young age showed just how much hard work and dedication can pay off, culminating in a place on top of the treasured podium steps.

JAMES JOHNSTONE - Just days out from the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, James Johnstone was with his family holiday, believing his Olympic debut was still four years away.  But just a few days out, it all changed, overnight. After fellow Australian and four-time Olympian, Cam Bolton, was ruled out through injury, James got the call to fill his place. He was racing, and had just three training runs to learn the course

ABBEY WILSON - At just 19 years old, Abbey Wilson stepped onto the world’s biggest sporting stage at Milano Cortina 2026, making her Olympic Winter Games debut alongside her older sister, Charlotte. The Jindabyne snowboarder arrived at the Games having already made an impressive rise through the sport, progressing from a 2024 Youth Olympic medallist to a senior World Cup racer in just two years.

ADAM LAMBERT - Six months on from the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, snowboard cross athlete Adam Lambert is reflecting on a year that delivered both the challenges of the Olympic stage and the best World Cup season of his career.

Snow Australia is calling on eligible university athletes to express their interest in representing Australia at the Chanchun 2027 World University Games (WUG).

Expressions of Interest (EOI) close Wednesday 30 September 2026.

The Games will run from 15-25 January 2027 in Changchun, China, and surrounding venues. This edition of the World University Games features nine sports including alpine skiing, cross country skiing, freestyle/freeski, ski mountaineering, snowboard, and para alpine and para cross country skiing. Please note: alpine snowboard will be included in the program, while snowboard cross will not feature at the the Games.

Key Dates:

• EOI opens: Friday 11 September 2026
• EOI closes: 11:45pm Wednesday 30 September 2026
• Athlete selection announced: Friday 30 October 2026
• Coaching staff arrangements confirmed: November - December 2026
• Event dates: 15-25 January 2027 

Entry process and requirements for competing overseas

If you are planning on competing in FIS sanctioned events overseas this northern winter, Snow Australia remains your single point of entry for all disciplines. To assist with your planning we have a dedicated webpage with instructions, forms and information to help streamline the process. Visit our Competing Overseas page to get started.

The Entry Process

1. Membership and FIS Registration - All competitors must maintain a current Snow Australia membership at the 'International' level for your discipline. Check your membership here, join or renew here, upgrade here.
   
   
2. Competition Insurance - It is a FIS requirement that Snow Australia ensures all competitors have insurance in place that meets the minimum requirements as per the FIS rules (FIS ICR 212.3). If you are unable to source your own insurance Snow Australia has identified some policies that meet the FIS requirements. More information on each of these policies is available below or on the Competition Insurance page of the website. Before purchasing insurance please make sure it meets your personal requirements.
   
   
3. Expression of Interest - Submit your EOI listing the overseas events you wish to be considered for. Before submitting your EOI make sure you are eligible to compete by meeting the event criteria for the requested events. Once submitted Snow Australia staff will confirm receipt of your EOI and keep you up to date with the entry process. Please ensure you submit your EOI to entries@snow.org.au within the published timelines. Please note that submitting an EOI does not guarantee your entry as eligiblity and quota rules will need to be applied. 
   
   If you have any questions about the entry process for competing overseas plesae do not hesitate to contact the Snow Australia office (info@snow.org.au).

With the northern season just around the corner, this is a friendly reminder to ensure your membership for the 2026 season has been renewed and that you hold the correct membership category for the events you plan to compete in.

If you have any questions about your membership or need assistance with renewing or updating your membership type, please contact info@snow.org.au