Interschools Canada

Further information on this exclusive race-training program, please visit the official Interschools Canada website at: www.interschoolscanada.com.au

"Canadian-Australian Relations" continue to improve with the renewal of the contract between Big White Ski Resort and the popular Australian Interschools programs.

Australian families can enjoy a winter vacation at Canada's award-winning ski and snowboard resort while their children are being race trained by a top-notch team of international ski and snowboard coaches.

According to Stuart Aldred, Director of Interschools Canada, "the aim of these specifically designed packages is to offer excellent family value snow holidays at Big White, while providing children with the highest quality training program; one that has been purposely designed to meet the needs of junior skiers and boarders who take part in Interschool events in the Australian Alps.”

"Since 1985, Big White Ski Resort has provided a professional Ski Instructor/Coaches teaching exchange program with many Australian Resorts," commented Michael J Ballingall, Senior Vice President, "I was personally part of that exchange program back in June of 1986, and we are thrilled to be able to offer these exclusive race training programs to Australian kids aiming to improve their racing skills. Who knows, maybe one of them will make it to a World Cup or Olympic podium one day."

Each of the highly qualified coaches are hand-picked by Interschools Canada to ensure that every child on the program not only has a memorable time but also elevates them to the next level.

Josh Foster, Director of Snowsports at Big White Ski Resort, says "we're really excited to be hosting the Interschools program again this year. We've had a very long and rewarding relationship with our Australian guests. This program works really well because it builds on the Interschools-specific race-training that the Australians are given during their winter and enables them to improve on a year-round basis. These fine young athletes will have the time of their lives."

A joint initiative between Australian Winter Sports Camps (AWSC) and School Snowsports Development Foundation (SSDF), the organisers of Interschool events around Australia, the Interschools Canada program enables Australian school-aged students access and experience in ski/snowboard racing activities in a spectacular alpine environment at either a recreational or competitive level. The Subaru Victorian and NSW Interschools Snowsports Championships are the largest skiing/snowboarding events of their type in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts over 10,000 entrants annually. Training for a podium to win is a must.

Foster also welcomes parents of these young racers to take advantage of their vacation time to improve their skills as well. "We have a variety of programmes that will enhance the parents' skiing as well. The whole family can really

Big White Ski Resort is located in the interior of Super Natural British Columbia, Canada's skiing and snowboarding mecca. This Resort offers 118-plus runs on 2,765 skiable hectares and serviced by over 16 modern lifts, including Canada's longest 6-passenger chair lift. Big White Ski Resort offers the largest variety of ski-in ski-out accommodation and is world renowned for family-friendly activities, award winning services and over 7 meters of world-famous Okanagan 'champagne' powder annually.

Further information on this exclusive new race-training program, its partners and this fine resort can be found at:

Interschools Canada: www.interschoolscanada.com.au

For further information, contact:

• Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice-President, Big White and Silver Star Ski Resorts, mballingall@bigwhite.com; (250) 491-6150
• Josh Foster, Director of Snow Sports for Big White Ski Resort, jfoster@bigwhite.com; (250) 491-6143
• Rob Crichton, International Sales Manager, Big White and Silver Star Ski Resorts, rcrichton@bigwhite.com; (250) 491-6169
• Steven Threndyle, Media Relations Coordinator, Big White and Silver Star Ski Resorts; sthrendyle@bigwhite.com; (250) 764-2143