Term 3 Snowsports Programs
From the Director of Sport, Mrs Sally Bourke
Dear Parents and Carers,
Snowsports is a major part of Winter at Snowy Mountains Grammar School and participation in school skiing and snowboarding is an important element of the program during Term 3.
The purpose of this note is to invite students in Years K - 11 * to be involved in our Term 3 Wednesday Snowsports program. Please read the following information and consider which option may be appropriate for your child.
We have been working with both Thredbo and Perisher, exploring multiple scenarios for the students of Snowy Mountains Grammar School and we are delighted to be able to offer the following Wednesday program options for Years K - 11 students. Students must commit to one program only.
Option 1: Perisher Snowsports
• Available to Years 3 - 11
• 8 day program
Option 2: Thredbo Snowsports
• Available to Years K - 11
• 8 day program
Option 3: At School Program
• Available to Years 7 - 11
Option 4: Perisher Cross-Country Skiing
• Available to Years 3 - 11
• 8 day program with Alina McMaster
Option 5: Snowsports Academy Program
Applications have closed
Option 6: Individual Training Program
Please provide further information
*Year 12 will be participating in the Wednesday curriculum program at school.
Please take a moment to review the following Term 3 Wednesday Snowsports Program information, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Sally Bourke Director of Sport
sally.bourke@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Program Dates
Week 1: Wednesday 22 July
Week 2: Wednesday 29 July
Week 3: Wednesday 5 August
Week 4: Wednesday 12 August
Week 5: Wednesday 19 August
Week 6: Wednesday 26 August
Week 7: Wednesday 2 September
Week 8: Wednesday 9 September
Snowsports Equipment
All students must have the following equipment whilst participating in Snowsports:
• Helmet: Australian Standard (must be worn at all times while on snow)
• Goggles: Double lens, UV-protective
• Skis and poles or snowboard: Tuned and checked by a professional ski technician
• Ski boots or snowboard boots: Fitted by a professional boot fitter
• Gloves: Insulated and waterproof ski or snowboard gloves or mittens
• Food: Lunch and water bottle (backpack)
• Sun Protection: All Snowsports participants must practice sun-safe procedures. Most importantly, all exposed skin must have sunscreen applied before going on snow. Goggles must be worn at all times when on snow.
Important
Snowsports forms completed and submitted by Tuesday 19 May 2026, 5:00 pm
All parents must sign and return the 2026 Snowsports Waiver Form via Sentral prior to the commencement of the program.
All parents must sign and return the 2026 Snowsports Waiver Form via Sentral prior to the commencement of the program.
Snowsports Uniform
Years K - 4
Students may wear their own ski/snowboard clothing. However, it must be of sufficient quality to provide warmth and waterproofing, as it is common for lessons to continue even in difficult weather conditions.
Years 5 - 11
Students must wear the correct Snowy Mountians Grammar School Snowsports uniform. This is the school Snowsports jacket, school Snowsports pants, school fleece/softshell and a school sports shirt of skivvy.
Cross-country skiers may wear lightweight clothing whilst skiing.
All students
As it is common for lessons to continue even in difficult weather conditions, all students should wear thermal underwear under their school uniform – a long-sleeved top and leggings. If we experience warm weather, it is best to take a layer off during the day, rather than guessing it is going to be warm and then not having enough layers. If a hat (beanie or peaked cap) is worn to and from the resort, it must be the school uniform beanie or peaked cap.
Remember this is a school day and normal school expectations and consequences for incorrect uniform will be in effect.
Rules
All students must:
1. Always obey the Alpine Responsibility Code.
2. Have had their parents sign the waiver form.
3. Have participated in the Snowsports briefing
4. Never ski/ride alone.
5. Sign the code of conduct for skiing snowboarding with the school.
Refunds
Please note that the school is required to pay the full cost of these activities to the provider for any student who withdraws less than 28 days prior to commencement. This cost will be passed on in full to parents where adequate notice is not provided. One-off absences due to illness, other sporting commitments or weather are not refundable. Programs are budgeted for 8 weeks at both Perisher and Thredbo, and no refunds will be issued for season-ending injury or illness. Parents are reminded that ski resorts offer pass protection insurance. Snowy Mountains Grammar School will endeavour, where possible, to consider program and logistical costs to assist families; however, the school cannot assist with race entry fee reimbursements unless requested by race organisers. A medical certificate may be required to confirm inability to attend to avoid partial or full costs being incurred.
Option 1: Perisher
Years 3 - 11 Wednesday Snowsports Program
Perisher Program Inclusions
• 8 day program (Week 1 - Week 8)
• Lessons for duration on hill
• Park entry
• Transport to and from Perisher
• Consistent groups (Max. 10 students per group)
• Years 3 - 6 - Provision of a snack during the lesson time, accessible at Perisher Valley
• All lessons are with highly qualified instructors. Students will be graded by their instructors.
Perisher Daily Routine
8:40 am - Students meet at school outside the Shed on the grass and have their name marked off with the teacher in charge
9:00 am – Students depart school on buses for Perisher
10:00 am - Ski and snowboard lessons
• Students must remain with the group for the duration of their on-snow time
• Students need to provide their own lunch
2:30 pm - Pick-up from lessons and meet school staff
3:15 pm - Students arrive back at school
• Students may be picked up between 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm from school, or they can wait for their respective school bus.
Perisher Lift Tickets
Option 2: Thredbo Years K - 11 Wednesday Snowsports Program
Thredbo Program Inclusions
• 8 day program
• Lessons for duration on hill
• Transport
• Park entry
• 1 x Time Trial Race Event. Proposed date Wednesday 22 July 2026 (for students at appropriate riding level). Note: proposed dates are subject to course availability, weather, snow conditions etc.
• 1 x End of Season Race Scheduled. Proposed date Wednesday 9 Sept 2026 (for students at appropriate riding level). Note: proposed dates are subject to course availability, weather, snow conditions etc.
• Consistent groups and qualified instructors (Max 8 students per group)
• Years K - 4 - lunch break with hot meal delivered in Thredboland (at varying times throughout the day to maintain Thredbo land occupancy ratios). Thredboland is a nut free zone and students with allergies can be catered for with appropriate notice. It is suggested that children bring their own nut free lunch if they have unusual dietary requirements or severe allergies.
• End of Season Report from instructors via a digital report through Flaik
Thredbo Daily Routine
8:40 am - Students meet at school by 8:40 am and have their name marked off with the teacher in charge
9:00 am - Students depart school on buses for Thredbo
10:00 am - Lessons
• Students in Years K - 4 will have lunch provided
• Students in Years 5 - 11 need to provide their own lunch for the day
• Gear may be stored in the buses - however, no access during the day.
• Base Station: Friday Flat
2:30 pm - Pick-up from lessons and meet school staff
2:45 pm - Students will return by bus from Thredbo
3:25 pm - Students arrive back at school
Snowboarding Option
• The snowboard option in K - 4 is for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Snowboard groups, pending minimum numbers.
• The snowboard option in Years 5 - 11 is for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Snowboard groups, pending minimum numbers.
• The transport option is for the season. There is no per-ride fee.
• Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Ski / SB groups offered.
Note:
Option 3: At School Program
Years 7 - 11 At School Program
Students who are not taking part in the Snowsports Program should be working in the Curiosity Centre during the alternate program for the morning and then attend activity sessions in the afternoon.
Students enrolled in the Snowsports Program cannot attent the At School Program if they feel like having a day off.
Wednesdays
Students from Years 7 - 11 will attend a Sport session (free of charge) each week at school.
Years 5 - 11 with Alina McMaster
This program would occur at the same time as the resort downhill programs and therefore students would need to choose cross-country instead of downhill. Crosscountry participants would need to supply their own ski equipment - skis, boots and poles.
Alina McMaster is a former member of the Australian cross country (XC) ski team and has competed internationally. She is a level 3 APSI instructor and a member of the APSI National team who will be representing APSI-XC at the next Interski Conference in Vail, USA in 2027.
The aim of the programme is to improve XC skiing skills in a fun atmosphere, so students ski more efficiently and to prepare them to successfully compete at the State Interschools Championships and perhaps the National Championships.
The programme will offer 4-hour group lessons from 10:00 am - 2:30 pm (including a lunch break) in classic and/or skating technique. The program will be offered to students in Years 5 - 11 from beginner to intermediate ability.
Equipment Required
• XC track skating and/or classic skis.
• Pair of XC poles in appropriate length for classical or skating skiing. Classical poles should be level with the under-arm when standing on the ground with boots on. Skating length is between the chin and the nose, around mouth level.
• Pair of XC “Combi” (Combination- Skating and Classic) boots.
• Water bottle and water bottle belt.
• Back-pack to store light snacks, a water bottle (if do not have a water bottle belt) and any medication required.
Option 5: 2026 Snowsports Academy Applications Closed
Applications for the program have closed and have been finalised. Accordingly, only students who have been accepted into the Snowsports Academy Program will select this option.
Option 6: Individual Training Program Must be Approved by the School
Please advise (and provide details) if your child will be proceeding with their own Snowsports training program during the season. This must be approved by the school.
The Rob Kneller Youth Foundation, established in 2013 in memory of respected Jindabyne community member Rob Kneller, continues to support local students through opportunities within the Snowsports industry while promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
The Foundation will be generously contributing $150 towards our K - 2 Snowsports Program this year. This amount will be credited to your account during Term 3 and will provide valuable support for our junior athletes as they continue to develop their Snowsports skills.
We sincerely thank the Rob Kneller Youth Foundation for their ongoing generosity and support of our students.