Snow industry comes together to shape a stronger,more sustainable future

The Outdoor Council of Australia has congratulated Snow Resorts Australia on

bringing the snow industry together through the 2026 Snow Summit, creating an

important opportunity for industry leaders, operators and stakeholders to discuss

the future of Australia’s alpine and snow experience.

The Snow Summit provided a timely platform for honest and constructive discussion

about the challenges, opportunities and shared priorities facing the snow industry,

from affordability and workforce pressures through to infrastructure, investment,

visitor experience and year-round sustainability.

The Outdoor Council of Australia was asked to assist with the industry round

table, which brought together a wide range of perspectives and helped identify the

practical barriers, collaborative opportunities and future-focused ideas that can

support the long-term resilience of alpine communities and snow-based businesses.

OCA Chair Lori Modde said the discussion highlighted the importance of bringing

the whole industry to the table.

“Snow Resorts Australia is to be congratulated for creating the space for this

conversation and for bringing the industry together at such an important time,” Ms

Modde said.

“The round table showed there is enormous passion, knowledge and commitment

across the snow industry. It also showed that the challenges facing the sector are

complex and interconnected, which means the solutions need to be collaborative,

practical and coordinated.”

Key themes raised during the round table included the need to improve

affordability and accessibility, strengthen the seasonal and local workforce, support

small businesses beyond the traditional snow period, improve transport and

accommodation options, and reduce barriers to investment.

Participants also discussed the importance of snow making as critical infrastructure,

not only for resort operations, but also for visitor confidence, forward bookings,

regional jobs, local business sustainability and broader community resilience.

“The snow industry is not just about skiing, we have a great depth and benefits to

our alpine experiences” Ms Modde said.

“The industry supports regional economies, local employment, small businesses,

community wellbeing, outdoor recreation, education, tourism and family

connection. The discussion made it clear that we need to tell that story more

strongly and work together to ensure the industry is recognised for the value it

delivers.”

The round table also identified significant opportunities for the future, including

health and wellness tourism, snow play, family-friendly experiences, stronger

education pathways, better use of technology, improved guest communication,

product innovation, and greater year-round use of alpine infrastructure.

Ms Modde said the inclusion of Snow Resorts Australia as a member of OCA will

strengthen the national voice for the broader Outdoor Industry.

“OCA is very excited to have Snow Resorts Australia onboard as a member. The

alpine and snow sector is an important part of the broader Outdoor Industry, and its

voice is essential in national conversations about access, risk, workforce,

infrastructure, sustainability and participation,” she said.

“There is a clear alignment between the work of Snow Resorts Australia and OCA’s

role in advocating for a safer, stronger and more sustainable Outdoor Industry

across outdoor recreation, outdoor education and adventure tourism.”

OCA looks forward to continuing to work with Snow Resorts Australia and industry

partners to progress the ideas raised through the round table and support a united

approach to government engagement, industry development and long-term

regional sustainability.

“The most powerful message from the round table was that no single organisation

can solve these issues alone,” Ms Modde said.

“But by working together, sharing the vision and presenting a united voice, the

snow industry can build momentum for practical change and a stronger future.”