Empowering Adaptive Snowsports

In a busy week on the racecourses at Mt Buller, the Victorian Multiclass Interschools Championships were held from Monday, starting with a 2-day Mt Buller Ski School instructed clinic and wrapped up in glorious sunshine today with races.  Multiclass Snowsports athletes under blue skies, sharing the courses alongside a bustling schedule of the Mogul Ski World Victorian Interschools Championships.

For three inspiring days on snow, and in some challenging weather yesterday, young athletes have showcased the best of adaptive snowsports in a demonstration of determination, exuberance and friendly competition.

“It’s impossible not to be impressed by all the athletes on Mt Buller this week.  The Multiclass athletes remind us about the importance of having a go, having fun and sharing the joy of sliding on snow together with friends.  I’ve loved seeing the focus each athlete brings to the event and the teamwork it takes from family, friends, teachers and event managers to make these races go ahead,” said Buller Ski Lifts General Manager Noel Landry.

“The Victorian Multiclass Interschools are an important part of the winter event calendar and another way we can work together to ensure snowsports are accessible for more young people – including those who dream of pushing themselves in competition and racing” he added.

Details of all races and results are available here.

Mt Buller is also gearing up to host the Special Olympics Australian Winter Games this September 8-9. This serves as a qualifying event for the upcoming Special Olympics in Turin in 2026 with Australian snowsports athletes eager to secure places and experience to represent their country in Italy in 3 years’ time.

Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) is a not-for-profit organisation that plays a pivotal role in nurturing the dreams of adaptive winter sports enthusiasts across Australia. Its mission is to make the slopes safely accessible to everyone who harbours a desire to conquer them, regardless of their physical or intellectual differences, and “find their freedom on the snow”. With a presence at the five major resorts across the country, including Mt Buller, and a dedicated headquarters in Melbourne, DWA has created a vibrant network of volunteers, guides and participants.

Central to the success of DWA is the unwavering commitment of its volunteers. The organisation operates largely on the strength of volunteer guides making a vital contribution to the tapestry of support that allows adaptive winter sports to flourish. With every volunteer-driven initiative, a ripple effect of positive change is felt, propelling the organisation's capacity to provide invaluable services.

An example of this ability and spirit is Vassi, a Mt Buller regular, who has embraced the slopes as a member of Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) for many years. Accompanied by her DWA guides, Adam Richards and Paula McCall, Vassi gets out on the slopes regularly, loving the ski life and cruising around the mountain. She demonstrates what her dedication, with the adaptive support she needs, can produce -  freedom on the snow.

Vassi and her DWA guides, Paula McCall and Adam Richards

For those new to the world of adaptive snowsports, DWA offers access and an invitation to experience the snow. Partnering with the Ski and Snowboard School, first-timers can book lessons to pave the way to a lifetime of skiing and snowboarding.

Joining DWA further enhances the experience, as a personal guide can be arranged to provide tailored assistance. DWA offers support for adaptive skiers and boarders in a range of ways, from starting out to providing expert guiding for advanced riders.  To secure a guide's assistance for DWA members, a simple call or online request should made at least two weeks prior to the visit.

Interested in becoming a DWA Guide?

Mark Parfuss is facilitating a New Guide training course on 16-17 September.  Submit your expression of interest and find out more here.