Tons of snowboard action Down Under as Australia’s winter season peaks
Aug 11, 2025·Snowboard AlpineWhile the Northern Hemisphere basked in summer heat, Australia was in the heart of its prime winter season – and Snow Australia made the most of it by investing in the next generation of snowboard talent. Thredbo Resort was the centre of attention over the past week, hosting a packed schedule of competitions and development programs.
On the race side, the 2025 FIS Junior Snowboard Cross (SBX) Series kicked off last Thursday and Friday, giving riders aged 15 to 19 the chance to go head-to-head for the coveted Overall Men’s and Women’s Junior Series Titles.
Thredbo also welcomed Para Snowboard Cross racing, showcasing one of the most successful para snowboard programs in the world. Australia continues to invest in developing para athletes, giving them opportunities to shine on home snow and creating competition settings that match the standards of elite international events. The event reinforced Snow Australia’s commitment to inclusivity and to providing pathways for all athletes to compete and progress.
The series now moves to Victoria’s High Country for its second stop at Mt Hotham on 13 August, right after the Snowboard Cross FUTURES Training Camp. The Mt Hotham event will also count towards the Australia/New Zealand Continental Cup (ANC) standings, adding extra stakes to the racing.
But it wasn’t just SBX making waves in Thredbo – Snowboard Alpine also stepped into the spotlight. The Snowboard Alpine FUTURES 2025 program, a dedicated talent identification and skill development initiative run by Snow Australia with support from Thredbo, Recognised Pathway Programs, and members of the Australian snowboard alpine community, took place on 9 August.
Young racers had the chance to develop their technical skills under the guidance of Australia’s top national team athletes and coaches, before putting their new knowledge to the test the very next day in a Thredbo Parallel Giant Slalom race.
Both the SBX and Alpine FUTURES initiatives were part of Snow Australia’s broader FUTURES pathway program, designed to inspire developing athletes by offering them unique opportunities to train with elite athletes, gain a deeper understanding of the performance pathway, and get involved in domestic competitions. The program aims to strengthen the snowboarding community, bridge the gap between Interschools participation and high-performance programs, and give young riders the skills and confidence to take the next step in their careers.
With strong racing, packed start lists, and passionate young talent, Thredbo set the perfect tone for what promises to be another exciting stop when the Junior SBX Series hits Mt Hotham this week.