apsi snowpro
December 2020
Advancing Women in Snowsports
20
2020 has been a dumpster fire of a year, however some good at least has come from it! In NSW, we were lucky enough to see the entire season through; Victorians you certainly did it tough and we applaud you. Despite the tougher times endured throughout the year, 2020 has taught us to use technology to our advantage and the importance of prioritising selfcare. As we all moved online, the APSI hosted its first Online Trainers Co-ordination. The General Manager at the time, Richard Hocking, helped get the ball rolling on something long overdue by raising the issue of gender equality. The ski industry is undoubtedly a male dominated industry and throughout Australian ski resorts there is a considerable lack of female presence and inspiration. Not only for up and coming instructors but accross all snowsport disciplines. Thanks to Richards’ comments, the 2020 Trainers Coordination was a catalyst moment in which current female APSI trainers decided the formation of a committee was needed. We wanted to help further
the participation rate and presence of female members throughout the snowsports industry, APSI instructor and trainer pathway. Following the Trainers Coordination every female trainer; only 16 in total, across all disciplines worked together through a series of Zoom conferences discussing gender issues, industry and brainstorming ways to create change. The result was the idea of creating a committee with the goal to specifically address gender equity within the APSI. The committee will also help to build solidarity and mutual respect among our membership. Through group discussion a decision was made that the proposed committee would have five to six members appointed to 2-year terms. All female trainers were given the opportunity to self-nominate, and then the whole group had the opportunity to vote anonymously, officiated confidentially by Michaela Patton-former Demo Team member and Current Alpine Level 4 Trainer. Throughout this process the ‘Advancing Women in Snowsports’ (AWS committee) was born. The five women voted in from the eight women who nominated were;
