Schools shine on the slopes

Mt Buller was pulsing with colour, energy and competition this past week as more than 250 schools from across Victoria gathered for the Mogul Ski World Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships. The seven-day program saw 5800 entries across alpine GS, slopestyle, moguls, ski cross, snowboard cross and snowboard GS. In total, athletes clocked more than 8000 individually timed runs and 1500 judged runs, making it one of the biggest weeks on the Mt Buller calendar and the largest event of its kind anywhere in the world. Behind the scenes, weeks of preparation from Mt Buller’s event, race and operations teams delivered world-class conditions for the school-aged athletes. Racecourses were in superb shape, the schedule ran seamlessly, and the atmosphere around the resort reminded everyone why this event is such a highlight for schools and families. Participation continues to grow strongly in the younger divisions, with schools such as Bellbrae Primary School almost doubling their team numbers in the past two years. Organisers have confirmed the program will expand from 7 to 8 days in 2026 to give junior competitors a better experience and meet demand for these youngest participants. “It’s a good sign for the health of our sport that 68 years on from the first race, between just 2 schools and 8 boys, we have more than one hundred times that participation in 2025 and just as much enthusiasm as there has ever been,” said Event Manager David Speirs. “It’s a special event and with sunshine and smiling faces in resort I couldn’t be happier with how smoothly the event has gone this week. "Some children competing will use this as a stepping stone to elite sport just as champions like Jakara Anthony, Cam Bolton, Chumpy Pullin and so many others have done before them. "Many more will discover the simple joy of skiing and snowboarding with friends and family that they will carry with them for life” he added. Growth was also evident in the inspiring Multiclass and Special Olympics categories, which welcomed a record 37 competitors this year. The Multiclass event, first introduced at Mt Buller in 2013, continues to offer a pathway for athletes of all abilities to qualify for National Interschools and international competition. Buller Ski Lifts General Manager Noel Landry extended his thanks to the volunteers, families and local community who make the busy event week happen. “Mt Buller is all about family connections and that was on show again this week as the next generation of Mt Buller skiers and boarders took part in the event," he said. "We saw Ski Patrol and Ski & Snowboard School pioneers cheering on their grandchildren in races and it bodes well for the health and future of the sport to see families sharing these experiences together.” Looking ahead, Mt Buller is set to welcome the nation’s top performing athletes back to the slopes for the Australian Interschools Snowsports Championships from 2-7th September 2025. Students from every corner of the country will gather to go head-to-head, competing for the chance to be crowned national champion. The championships come as Mt Buller enjoys an excellent season, with an average snow depth of 100cm snow cover across the resort and plenty of terrain open for skiing and snowboarding. With strong snow depths, lively spring events and value-packed spring offers rolling out, Mt Buller expects to keep guests carving turns and celebrating on the mountain through to early October.

Schools shine on the slopes

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