Cardrona, New Zealand - Snow Park NZ is proud to announce 'The Switch Academy' youth free ski snowboard and skiing training programme. The programme is the first of its kind in New Zealand to combine training facilities from neighbouring resorts, utilising world-class facilities provided both by Snow Park NZ and Treble Cone.
"By being able to train at both resorts, we are exposing the kids to perfect training grounds for all the necessary free skiing skills required to challenge them towards that next level," newly-appointed Snow Park snow sports director Rachel Newton said.
"This program is an excellent opportunity to really progress the free ski/ride development of our local youth. The combination of Treble Cone and the Snow Park terrain offers a fantastic combined opportunity for the progress of these athletes" Tim Williams, Treble Cone Snow School Director said.
Rachel will be leading the programme as Head Coach. She brings with her a long history and involvement in the New Zealand Snow Sports industry, and for the past two years has been the Team Manager and Assistant Coach for the New Zealand Youth Snowboard Team, attending the Youth Worlds in Italy.
Snow Park NZ believes New Zealand is full of potential snow sports champions. "With the right guidance, coaching, support and a strong element of fun, we can produce not just world-ranking snowboarders and skiers, but champion people as well!" Rachel said.
The aim of the programme is to develop and nurture a competitive pathway in a fun and productive environment.
The skills and talents of top coaches and mentors have been employed, with Jonas Sigg as head snowboard coach and Marty Jillings as head ski coach.
Jonas has been Head Coach for the the Laax Freestyle Academy in Switzerland for the last four years, and coaching for the past eight years.
Training is scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays throughout the season, and commences on Sunday July 1 st . Sundays are reserved for participants to utilise their own time on the mountain, and also additional days training during competition times.
Also in addition to the Switch academy, and new for 2006, Snow Park has catered to a range of coaching programmes for all ages and abilities due to popular demand. These include the 'Sunday Special'-a more relaxed style clinic running from the 9 th July to the 30 th September, Snow Girls camps and Billabong Tuesdays, School Style camps that are run during school holidays and Private with a Pro Sessions - trick tips with New Zealand's best.
For further information please check snowparknz.com or call +64 3 443 9991.