2026 SNOW SUMMIT IS OVER! OUTCOMES REPORT TO BE RELEASED SOON
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Session slides
Download the Slide decks presented in some of the key Snow Summit sessions below.
Is it all downhill from here?
Reflections on Australia’s Snow Industry: The Realities, Challenges, and Opportunities Ahead
Peter Brulisauer - Vice President International Business Development, Alterra
A strategic reflection on the state of Australia’s snow industry, set against an evolving and competitive global market. Drawing on decades of leadership experience across Australian resorts and destination tourism, this thought-provoking session explored the realities shaping the sector today and the factors leaders must consider in shaping its future.
What the Market Is Telling Us: Insights from Suppliers and Retailers in Snowsports
A presentation from Snowsports Industries of Australia (SIA) examined emerging market signals from suppliers and retailers, including shifts in demand, purchasing behaviour and international travel. Drawing on frontline market insight, the discussion considered what these trends may indicate for the Australian consumer.
Presented by Shane Carter (Chair, SIA) and Edward Fortey (Vice-Chair, SIA)
From First Turns to Podiums: Building the Snow Pipeline
A focused discussion on how the Australian snow industry builds and sustains participation from first exposure through to lifelong engagement. It will consider the role of athlete pathways, from grassroots to elite, in shaping aspiration, visibility and long-term connection to the sport, and why this matters beyond high performance. With a practical lens, the discussion identified where stronger alignment between resorts, clubs, schools and national bodies can better support participation, progression and the overall health of the industry.
Presented by Steve Nelson (GM Participation & Sport Development, Snow Australia)
The Year-Round Question: What Actually Drives Value Beyond Winter?
A pragmatic examination of year-round and 'green season' strategies in alpine destinations, focused on what has delivered genuine commercial, community and visitation value (and what hasn't!). Drawing on real-world experience, the session explored where investment in non-winter experiences creates meaningful return, where it falls short, and how resorts are making more disciplined decisions about year-round activation.
Presentation by Stuart Diver (GM, Thredbo) and Noel Landry (GM, Buller Ski Lifts)
How Guests Choose Snow: The New Decision Journey
Ashley Fell - Social Researcher & Futurist
An examination of how guests discover, evaluate and book snow experiences, and how that decision journey is being reshaped by AI, search, social platforms and the balance between direct and third-party channels. The session explored what this means for how resorts influence choice and conversion, and the role of technology as an enabler rather than a silver bullet - distinguishing what is genuinely improving guest value and operational efficiency from what is adding complexity without return.
World-Leading Snow Management: How Australian Resorts Set the Standard
A discussion with leading experts on why Australian resorts are recognised as world leaders in snow management, which explored how data, technology and operational discipline (from LiDAR and SnowSat to weather modelling, vegetation management and snow factories) are shaping the future of snowmaking and mountain operations.
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Tim Meier - Manager - Assets & Operations, Buller Ski Lifts
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Ben Quane - CEO, Ski Industries
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Samuel Ventura - Area Manager, TechnoAlpin Australia
Women of Winter: Powering Participation, Leadership and Industry Sustainability
Drawing on research underpinning the forthcoming Women of Winter Action Plan, this session positioned women as central to participation growth, workforce stability, leadership continuity, and long-term industry sustainability. It reframed gender inclusion as an industry-wide opportunity, addressing workforce sustainability, leadership pipeline leakage, and system design, while highlighting the economic and organisational value of retaining experienced women. The session outlined practical actions and the critical role of industry leadership in shaping culture and direction for Women in Snow.
Presented by Rebecca Clark (Community Engagement Manager, Snow Australia)
Snow Resorts Australia’s Strategic Priorities
A Snow Resorts Australia session outlining the industry’s strategic direction and key initiatives for the year ahead. Anchored by the launch of the 'Know Before You Go' campaign, the session highlighted a coordinated, national approach to safety, education and shared responsibility, alongside broader efforts to strengthen alignment, participation and industry capability across the Australian snow sector.
Presented by Josh Elliott, CEO Snow Resorts Australia.
Navigating the Peak: Trends Shaping the Future of the Australian Snow Industry
Ashley Fell - Social Researcher & Futurist
A future-focused keynote exploring the forces reshaping the next generation of snow consumers, from demographic and generational shifts to evolving expectations of value, experience and connection. The session examined how emerging consumer segments, including growing Chinese Australian and Indian Australian audiences, are approaching leisure and travel, and what this means for how snow experiences are designed, priced and communicated. It also considered the broader implications for workforce, technology and industry alignment, equipping leaders with a clearer understanding of where the market is heading and how to respond.