Outdoor Council of Australia Releases Snow Activities Guidance Note to Support Safer Alpine Participation

The Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has released a new Snow Activities Guidance Note to support the outdoor industry in planning and delivering safer, well-managed snow-based experiences during the 2026 winter season.

The Guidance Note has been developed as an interim resource for providers, educators, land managers and outdoor leaders working in alpine and snow environments, while a full Snow Activities Good Practice Guide will involve a broader industry consultation for release in 2027.

The release reflects the growing recognition that snow activities are an important part of Australia’s Outdoor Industry, spanning outdoor recreation, outdoor education, adventure tourism and alpine resort experiences. From school-based snow programs and backcountry journeys through to guided snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snow camping and resort-based learning activities, the alpine environment presents unique opportunities — and unique responsibilities.

OCA Chair Lori Modde said the Guidance Note provides timely support for the 2026 season while ensuring the longer-term Good Practice Guide is developed through a considered and consultative process.

“The alpine environment is dynamic, rewarding and highly valued by many Australians. It also requires careful planning, strong leadership, sound judgement and context-specific risk management,” Ms Modde said. “This Guidance Note gives the industry a practical reference point for the 2026 winter season, while recognising that the development of a full Snow Activities Good Practice Guide needs to involve broad industry input, expert review and further refinement.”

The Snow Activities Guidance Note has been informed by existing industry knowledge, current practice, and work undertaken by Outdoors NSW & ACT with input from experienced snow activity providers and outdoor professionals. It has also drawn on relevant state-based guidance and has been adapted for national use through OCA’s role as steward of the Australian Adventure Activity Standard and associated Good Practice Guides.

Rather than waiting until the full Good Practice Guide process is completed, OCA has released the Guidance Note so the sector can use the content immediately as a practical reference for the 2026 snow season. It is intended to assist organisations in reviewing their own systems, planning processes, participant management, supervision, environmental considerations and activity-specific risk controls.

The Guidance Note should be read alongside the Australian Adventure Activity Standard, relevant Good Practice Guides, land manager requirements, local operating conditions, organisational policies and applicable legislation. It is not designed to replace provider judgement or site-specific risk assessment, but to support consistent and considered decision-making across snow activity settings.

Further feedback will be sought from snow activity providers, outdoor education organisations, alpine resorts, backcountry users, land managers, peak bodies, technical experts and others with direct experience in snow environments. This consultation will help test the Guidance Note against real operating contexts, identify areas requiring further clarification, and ensure the future Good Practice Guide reflects the diversity of snow activity delivery across Australia.

Ms Modde said the staged approach was important.

“Good guidance must be practical, credible and shaped by the people who understand the operating environment,” she said.

OCA encourages all organisations involved in snow-based outdoor activities to review the Guidance Note, consider how it applies to their operations, and participate in the consultation process as it progresses.

The release also signals OCA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the Australian Adventure Activity Standard and Good Practice Guides continue to reflect the breadth of the Outdoor Industry, including activities and environments that require specialised knowledge and careful risk management.

SNOW GUIDANCE NOTE Apr 2026 OCA (2).pdf

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