Latest news from SSCNZ

Snow Sports Awards Night

July 3rd, 2009

SSNZ_LogoPos_BWLake Wanaka, New Zealand (Friday July 3, 2009) Snow Sports New Zealand (SSNZ) will honour New Zealand’s top snow sports athletes, coaches, ski areas and instructors at the annual 2009 Snow Sports Awards in Wanaka Saturday evening.
Thirty-seven athletes have been nominated as finalists in nine awards categories, including alpine, cross country, adaptive, snowboarding, Freeskiing, coaching, volunteer of the year and emerging talent of the year.
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Snow Sports Athlete of the Year. Winners in each sport’s athlete of the year category make up the finalists for the overall snow sports athlete of the year.
The awards cover the 2008 Southern Hemisphere season through the 2008-09 Northern Hemisphere season.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the on-snow successes of the past year, and to give recognition to the athletes, coaches, volunteers and other individuals who have performed with distinction,” said Snow Sports New Zealand CEO Ross Palmer. “All of the finalists deserve to be recognised.”
Motivational speaker Mark Inglis, the first double amputee to reach the summit of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, will be the official guest speaker.
Other awards to be handed out on the evening include the Snow.co.nz 2008 Ski Area of the Year; NZ Snow Sports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) 2008 Instructor of the Year and 2008 Ski Racing Masters Champions.
The awards will take place at ‘The Venue’, Lake Wanaka on Saturday, 4th July 2009 from 6pm. Tickets have sold out.
Snow Sports New Zealand is the official governing body and National Sports Organisation representing all snow sports in New Zealand. www.snowsports.co.nz
Snow Sports NZ Award Finalists:
NZ Snowboard Union’s Snowboarder of the Year 08/09:
Finalists: Will Jackways (Wanaka), Shelly Gotlieb (Queenstown), Jake Koia (Queenstown), Juliane Bray (Wanaka), James Hamilton (Auckland)
Freeski Association of New Zealand’s Freeskier of the Year 08/09:
Finalists: Byron Wells (Wanaka), Fraser McDougall (Wanaka), Janina Kuzma (Wanaka), Jossi Wells (Wanaka), Mitchey Greig (Queenstown)

Ski Racing New Zealand’s Alpine Ski Racer of the Year 08/09:
Finalists: Taylor Rapley (Queenstown), Nick Prebble (Christchurch), Tim Cafe (Queenstown),Ben Griffin (Ohakune), Leighton Winsloe (Wanaka)

NZ Cross Country Ski Association’s Cross Country Skier of the Year 2008/09:
Finalists: Andrew Pohl (Dunedin), Nat Anglem (Christchurch) Katie Calder (Tauranga)

Adaptive Snow Sports New Zealand’s Adaptive Snow Sports Athlete of the Year 08/09:
Finalists: Jason Donovan (Kapiti), Adam Hall (Wanaka)
Snow Sports New Zealand’s Athlete of the Year 08/09:
(finalists = winner of each above-mentioned category)
SSNZ Coaching NZ’s Coach of the Year 08/09:
Finalists: Michael Bell (Snowboarding) Wanaka, Marty Jillings (Freeskiing) Dunedin, Adi Bernasconi (Alpine Ski Racing) Wanaka, Hiro Taniguchi (Adaptive Skiing) Based in Wanaka.
SSNZ Volunteer of the Year Award 08/09:
Finalists: Dick Schultz (Snowboard) Based in Wanaka, Antony Hansen (Freeski) Hawea Flat, David Howden (SSNZ) Wellington, Stew Hewett (Adaptive) Oamaru.
SSNZ Emerging Talent of the Year 08/09:
Finalists: Joram Makuru (Snowboarding) Wanaka, Fraser McDougall (Freeskiing) Wanaka, Nick Prebble (Alpine Ski Racing) Christchurch, Carl Murphy (Adaptive Snowboarding) New Plymouth.
The qualifying period is from May 2008 to May 2009. Each member sport of Snow sports New Zealand nominates a coach, volunteer and emerging talent of the year, and announces the finalists and winner for its sport.
Snow Sports New Zealand judges the overall snow sports person, volunteer, coach and emerging talent of the year.
Additional Awards Presented
NZ Snow Sports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA) Instructor of the Year 2008
Snow.co.nz Ski Area Service Awards 2008

Ski Racing Masters Champions 2008 (Men and Women)

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Nike ACG

July 1st, 2009

nike-acg-black

SSNZ and SSNZ Coaching would like to thank Nike ACG for their support. Staff and coaches are proud to support and wear Nike ACG this year.

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Snow Sports Awards 2009

June 24th, 2009

Saturday 4th July 2009.

Snow Sports New Zealand will once again host its annual Snow Sports Awards Dinner. You’re invited to join us in celebrating snow sports success over the past 2008/2009 season.

The function will take place from 6pm on Saturday 4th July at ‘The Venue’ in Wanaka. www.thevenuewanaka.co.nz

The Awards are aimed at inspiring the New Zealand snow sports community; to recognise and honor outstanding achievements and performances in snow sports; to recognise new talent; to award ski areas for quality service.

  • When: 6pm, Saturday 4th July 2009
  • Where: ‘The Venue’ Wanaka.
  • Tickets: Limited tickets available. Adult $45/ Child (14 & under) $30.

  • Accommodation: Snow Sports New Zealand’s preferred accommodation, The Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort, Lake Wanaka. To attract special rates, please state ‘Snow Sports New Zealand’ when booking. www.oakridge.co.nz

    Purchase your tickets online HERE

    More Information HERE

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New Zealand to Host First Ever Adaptive Snowboard World Championships

June 24th, 2009

23/06/2009 10:39:20 a.m.

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand (Tuesday June 23, 2009) New Zealand’s Cardrona Alpine Resort will next month welcome snowboarders with physical disabilities from across the globe for the inaugural World Snowboard Federation (WSF) Adaptive Snowboard World Championships.

The WSF Adaptive Snowboard World Championships will consist of a sling-shot Snowboardcross race and will be showcased on July 30 during the 2009 Adaptive Snow Sports Festival and National Championships.

Snow Sports New Zealand (SSNZ) in conjunction The New Zealand Snowboard Union (NZSBU) will stage the event. SSNZ Adaptive Manager and Festival Organiser, Libby Blackley said she is looking forward to welcoming world class adaptive snowboarders to New Zealand for the first time.

“We are excited to welcome international snowboarders to ride and compete at this World Championships event, as we work to have the event officially included in the 2014 Sochi Winter Paralympics.” said Blackley.

New Zealand’s top Kiwi rider, Carl Murphy of New Plymouth, has set his focus on the World Championships gold medal.

Murphy, who is a below the knee amputee, most recently had a successful northern hemisphere campaign, taking home gold, silver and bronze medals at the Canadian Nationals and the USA Snowboarding Association (USASA) National Championships this year.

The Adaptive Snow Sports Festival runs from the 26th – 30th July at Cardrona Alpine resort. The festival is the highlight of the adaptive snow sports winter calendar in New Zealand, offering instruction and coaching for recreational skiers and boarders alongside the elite level competitions.

The New Zealand Snowboard Union is a member of Snow Sports New Zealand. Snow Sports New Zealand is the official governing body and National Sports Organisation representing all snow sports in New Zealand. www.snowsports.co.nz

ABOUT ADAPTIVE SNOWBOARDING
Adaptive snowboarding refers to a modified version of the sport, which adapts in equipment, rules, and technical specifications that enable persons with physical disabilities to participate in both recreational and competitive activities. Athletes compete based on their functional ability, allowing athletes with different disabilities to compete against each other.

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
The WSF is the only international organisation dedicated exclusively to the development and support of snowboard at all levels, including competitive as well as training levels, snowboarding for disabled, and initiatives for riders of any age. The WSF is a network of international snowboard associations which cooperate all over the world aiming at the development of this sport. Le nations members of the WSF find in it an inspiration source and a support to their activities. The WSF can create added value for all those who practise snowboarding at an international level and it offers ideas, manuals and initiatives. As a result, members are united in a widespread organization with the same objective, that is the progression of snowboard at all levels. www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

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Snow Sports New Zealand Appoints Alpine Director

May 14th, 2009

12/05/2009 9:48:07 a.m.

WANAKA,New Zealand (May 12, 2009) – Snow Sports New Zealand (SSNZ) today announced the appointment of James Lazor as Alpine Director. In the newly created role, Lazor will oversee the development of alpine ski racing in New Zealand, from grass roots to elite.

The appointment was made in consultation with the Ski Racing New Zealand Board as part of the ongoing integration of Snow Sports New Zealand member sports into Snow Sports New Zealand, the recognised National Sporting Organisation for snow sports.

James Lazor

Lazor will oversee the development, direction and coordination of alpine ski racing in New Zealand, taking a whole-of-sport approach. Working directly with the Ski Racing New Zealand Board and Snow Sports New Zealand CEO Ross Palmer, Lazor will set the strategic direction for the sport of ski racing, engaging members, providers and other stakeholders to grow the sport at all levels, including establishing the programmes and resources that will see New Zealand ski racers excel on the international stage.

“Alpine ski racing is a cornerstone among snow sports, and New Zealand has a proud history in the sport,” said Palmer. “By engaging with training providers and other key stakeholders, I’m confident that James will deliver effective, coordinated ski racing programmes that will grow the sport at every level.”

Lazor, who will work from the Snow Sports New Zealand offices in Wanaka, has an impressive background in business and sports management. He served as Director of Operations for the US Grand Prix, overseeing the staging a Formula 1 event in Phoenix, Arizona. He was also President of ACATS, Inc., a full service aviation company in Alexandria, Virginia.

Lazor grew up as a ski racer in the United States, once winning his local club championship before moving on to USSA racing in Western New York state. He later competed in high school-level state championships, and went on to become a ski instructor at Mt. Mansfield (Stowe) Vermont.

Lazor, who has lived in New Zealand since 2006, has also been a longtime financal contributor to the sport of ski racing in the U.S. and New Zealand, and brings with him numerous high-level contacts in the industry.

“This role is an opportunity for me to combine my passion for the sport of ski racing with my experience as a successful leader and businessman,” said Lazor, who holds a Masters degree in Business Administration. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the many talented and knowledgeable individuals in the New Zealand ski racing community to help take the sport forward. I believe my experience in sports management, combined with the established contacts I have in the international ski racing community will be an enormous asset to me and to ski racing in New Zealand.”

Ski Racing New Zealand Board Chair Tony Oxnevad said Lazor’s appointment marks an important step for the sport of ski racing in the process of integrating all snow sports into the national body.

“Our goal has been, and remains, the effective delivery of ski racing programmes at all levels,” said Oxnevad. “Having James and the rest of our organisation working more closely with Snow Sports New Zealand will provide immediate benefits to our athletes and our programmes. We’re fortunate to have someone of James’s calibre to help take the sport of ski racing in New Zealand to new levels.”

Snow Sports New Zealand is the official governing body and National Sports Organisation representing all snow sports in New Zealand. Ski Racing New Zealand is a member of Snow Sports New Zealand.

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Pre-Season Junior Development Camp 2009

May 8th, 2009

Snow Sports New Zealand would like to advise the pre-season Junior Development camp has been postponed. The new dates are 4-7th June. The camp is open to all snow sports athletes aged between 12 – 18 years and will be held in Wanaka. To register, please contact Adam Dooney. Limited spaces available.

Junior Development Camp June 4 – 7

Junior athletes aged 12 – 18 are invited to sign up for the SSNZ  Pre-Season Junior Development Camp, aimed at preparing developing athletes physical and mental strength leading into the upcoming season.

Introduction:

This will provide an opportunity for pre season athlete development and will involve all snow sport disciplines. Expertise will be provided from the Winter Performance Program network and coaches from the various sports. Bringing all sports together in one camp is a deliberate initiative to generate a SSNZ team atmosphere.

Objectives:

To provide the motivation, background knowledge and the skills to properly prepare for a season of skiing and riding at a competitive level.

Structure:

This is a four day camp involving dry land conditioning, mental and physical skills training, nutrition and ski/board preparation workshops. Two sessions will be run each day for two groups. A separate group and provider will be organised to adapt the physical components of the camp for skiers/riders from Adaptive Snow Sports New Zealand. Night time entertainment will involve a trip to the Big Bounce, Paradiso Cinema and the heated Oak ridge pools. All athletes will be staying together at the Base Backpackers in dorm accommodation. A camp organiser will be staying at the backpackers each night.

Timing and Location:

This will be based in Wanaka from 4 – 7th June. Sessions will be based at various locations around Wanaka.

Time Thursday 4th Friday 5th Saturday 6th Sunday 7th
Session 1 Intro to being a world class athlete Planning a training and competition Program Aerobic Training Introduction to ski and board preparation.
Facilitator Pete Sanford Pete Legnavsky Pete Legnavsky Grant Winslow/ski connect
Session 2 Introduction to Sports Nutrition Introduction to physical training for Snow Sports Tramp/Gymnastics session Camp Debrief
Facilitator Fiona Simpson Pete Legnavsky Gym Sports New Zealand Adam Dooney
Sessions for Adaptive athletes David Williams
Night entertainment Paradiso Cinema Tramp session/Oak Ridge Pools, Dine Out Everyone leaves for home

Costs per athlete:

  • Transport to the camp in Wanaka will be at the expense of the individual.
  • Accommodation for the 3 nights.
  • Breakfast and Dinner
  • Cinema Paradiso $10
  • Oakridge pools $6

Total cost $150 (please note that this does not include lunch and personal spending)

We are providing:

  • Session facilitators
  • Session venues
  • Snacks and drinks will be provided to ensure motivation and focus is maintained throughout the day.
  • Session equipment
  • Transport from accommodation to and from all sessions

What you need to bring:

  • Training clothes/shoes
  • Change of clothes for indoor sessions and night entertainment
  • Sleeping bag/duvet
  • Swimming outfit/towel
  • Pen and notebook

Contact Adam Dooney at the Snow Sports New Zealand office to confirm your attendance or to ask any questions. Limited spaces available. Invoices with payment options will be sent out from SSNZ office after registration is confirmed.

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Check out the ‘Links and Resources’

May 2nd, 2009

You may have already noticed the section on our home page titled ‘Links and Resources’. Now take note: this isn’t your typical web site links section. This is here specifically as a list of latest resources for coaches that we’ve found on the web.

As we all know there’s a whole world or knowledge out there on the web, so we’re going to try to utilise and share this knowledge with each other. We’ve set up an account with Delicious under the SS Coaching NZ name. I’ll be posting any coaching-related resources I come across to this account. These resources then get automatically imported into the home page on our site.

So with the goal of keeping up-to-date with the coaching industry, check back to the site regularly or even sign up with a Delicious account yourself – it’s free!

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Welome to our new web site

May 1st, 2009

We’re live! It’s with great pleasure that we at SSNZ can unveil our new project Snow Sports Coaching NZ.

As the Coaching Director for this new initiative I’m writing a a “Hello World” type post giving you an introduction on what to expect from us in the coming seasons.

What we’re about

The coaching initiative is a cooperative between SSNZ, SPARC and the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA). SSNZ provides the principal guidance and structure for this initiative. We are supported by the NZSIA in providing administration for the Coach Development Programme (CDP) and helping deliver elements of the on-snow sport-specific education.

At Snow Sports Coaching NZ we are committed to the educating and skill-development for all coaches in the six different competitive snow sport disciplines: ski racing, freeskiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing speed skiing and adaptive snow sports. We endeavor to support and guide the entire coaching and athlete development life cycle from junior through to elite-level athletes.

The education itself

As of now, the first two stages (Entry-level Coach and Performance Coach) in the CDP are almost compete. We are in the process of developing two introductory Online Modules for the Entry-level Coaching stage, which we expect will be complete within a few weeks.

The third stage in the CDP will be the High-performance Coach. This is also in development, but won’t be implemented until the winter of 2010.

Get in touch

As a current or potential coach, we strongly urge you to get in touch. This education pathway is well-funded through our various supporting organisations and many of the modules are free. This is about furthering the education of NZ coaches with the goal of helping our athletes succeed.

So don’t hold back. Any questions not matter how big or small, please contact us now.

Thanks.

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