ADVANCING WOMEN IN SNOWSPORTS (AWS)
Our vision is an APSI that actively promotes the role of women and creates opportunities to empower females to participate and pursue a career in snowsports instruction.
Our mission is to implement and sustain long-standing initiatives within the APSI that promote equitable opportunities for women across all areas. The AWS, along with the female trainers, have formed an approach to allow for change to occur within the APSI.
INTRODUCTION TO THE AWS
Since its establishment in 2020, Advancing Women in Snowsports (AWS) has continued to grow into a positive force for connection, opportunity, and representation within APSI and the wider Australian snowsports industry.
While our industry remains predominantly male, we're continuing to see genuine and postive progress. More women are pursuing higher-level certifications, stepping into trainer and examiner roles, and contributing to the future of snowsports. These changes haven't happened by chance - they've been supported through initiatives such as AWS Scholarships, Women's Networking events, Resort Representatives, women's training opportunities, and the launch of the AWS social media platforms. Together, these initiatives are helping create greater visibility, stronger connections, and more opportunities for women throughout the industry.
AWS exists to build on this momentum. Our goal isn't simply to increase female participation, but to help create an industry where everyone has the opportunity to learn, contribute, and thrive. Through collaboration, education and community, we're working alongside APSI to foster an environment that reflects the diversity and strength of our membership.
Our work continues to be guided by three key pillars - Education, Inspiration and Interaction. These pillars underpin every initiative we deliver and provide the foundation for creating meaningful, long-term change.
| EDUCATION | INSPIRATION | INTERACTION |
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Educating members on gender disparity topics, for example, unconscious bias and micro aggressive behaviours |
Providing opportunity for members to engage with female trainers through on-snow clinics, training, networking and events. |
Providing a means to keep in touch with members and nurture a sense of community through social events. forums, members sessions, research and further interactions |
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Promoting awareness of the power and effects of language |
Ensuring females are represented as equal role models with the intention to retain and progress more female members, candidates and staff |
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Supporting and/or encouraging members to report discrimination experienced and/or observed across the APSI in accordance with the APSI's Complaints and Grievance Manage Policy which outlines the process to report discrimination |
Consider adopting the following Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPS) established by UN Global Compact and UN Women, and also encourage the APSI to join this community further down the track |
INTRODUCING THE ADVANCING WOMEN IN SNOWSPORTS COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Hello everyone, I’m Angela Pope. I have been immersed in the snow industry for well over a decade, and in 2013, I made the transformative decision to become an instructor with the APSI (Australian Professional Snowsports Instructors). As a Level 4 Examiner Trainer and a National Team Member, I recently had the incredible opportunity to represent my country at Interski 2023 in Levi, Finland.
Read moreThroughout my journey, I have developed a deep love for this industry and firmly believe that everyone, regardless of gender, age, race, or background, should have equal opportunities to achieve their full potential on the slopes. Inclusivity and equal access to the sport are paramount to me. I hold various certifications, including Alpine (Level 4 Trainer), race coach, telemark, park, and adaptive skiing, which allow me to contribute to the growth and development of aspiring instructors.
Passionate about addressing the underrepresentation of women in sports, a challenge that extends beyond our industry, I am dedicated to driving positive change. By fostering an environment of equal partnership between men and women, we can build strong communities and societies together. As a member of the AWS (Advancing Women in Snowsports) Committee, I am genuinely excited and inspired for the future. I envision a future where men and women uplift each other, enabling everyone to aspire to new heights.
Advocating for the advancement of future female leaders in the snow sports industry is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is my commitment to ensure that their pathways remain at the forefront of APSI's objectives. Together, we can create a more inclusive and diverse snow sports community where individuals can achieve their desired certifications, pursue their passion for the sport, and thrive without any form of discrimination.
Let's work together to build a stronger, more vibrant future for all snow enthusiasts. By empowering others, fostering equality, and creating supportive pathways, we can push the boundaries of what's possible in snow sports instruction. I am genuinely excited about the future of our industry, where men and women unite to uplift and encourage each other. Together, let us inspire future generations and pave the way for a truly inclusive snow sports industry.
Hi, I'm Chloe Merry. Originally from Hobart in Australia, I found my calling teaching skiing in Thredbo, Australia. I went on to spend numerous northern winters instructing at Vail/Beaver Creek, Whistler, Telluride, Copper Mountain, before settling on Aspen Snowmass as my USA ski home in 2013. I was privileged to become the coach and program manager with the Australian Aerials Development Ski Team from 2016-2018.
Read moreI am also a trainer with the Aspen Snowmass Ski School, as well as coach and team member of the Aspen Team Divas and organisation (est. 1998) whose sole intention is to support and provide community for female ski professionals. It is remains as one of the strongest and largest female snowsports networks, having produced multiple now snowsport industry CEO’s, interski demo team members and highly successful professional ski instructors.
With 17 years in the skiing industry, it is a career that has seen me challenge my own personal boundaries, physical capabilities and knowledge in my pursuit of the APSI certification pathway to trainer with the Aspen Snowmass Ski School. This experience within our organisation and industry wide has given me valuable insight in the challenges faced by women in the pursuit of a fair and equal opportunity career in snow sports.
As ski coach and program manager of the Australian Aerial Skiing Development Team I was able to witness the rewards and success of seeing athletes achieve at the highest international levels. I also observed the difficulties and structure failures in relation to women, that resulted ending their participation or careers. This position has given me invaluable insight to the challenges of gaining opportunity, providing the appropriate support and empowerment to ensure females can reach new heights of individual ability and success.
It is my aspiration to continually be a role model and support all skiers, especially women, to participate in the sport at the highest level they choose whether it is recreationally, professionally or at a competitive level. Essential to growing female membership and representation is fostering our future. Presenting the youth with education, opportunity for involvement and demonstrating female representation in the sport at all levels and governance is essential in defying gender norms and breaking stereotypes.
We also need to support the women of the Australian snow sports community now, this includes challenging ageism, establishing social networking, mentoring, creating programs or training clinics where it is a safe space to challenge skills and knowledge. Create inclusive and empowering environments that promote a future for female participants of the APSI and snowsports industry that is supportive, nurturing, and inspiring.
I embrace this privilege to work on this committee striving for gender equality, with a vision to connect, collaborate and create real and positive growth in our industry.
Hi, I'm Shea de Lorenzo. I have had the privilege of being immersed in the snow sports industry for over 12 years. My journey has taken me to resorts all over the world, including Thredbo in Australia, Niseko in Japan, and Verbier in Switzerland. Currently, I serve as the Member Service Officer for the APSI, a role that has further deepened my dedication to developing pathways for women in this field.
Read moreThroughout my career, I have been passionate about addressing the unique challenges that women face in the snow sports industry. Initiatives such as tailored training modules and networking events designed to foster a sense of community and mutual support among women in snowsports have been highly beneficial to my career. My goal has always been to create an environment where women can thrive and achieve their professional goals.
As part of the AWS Committee, I bring a wealth of experience, a strong professional network, and a commitment to the advancement of women in our industry.
I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women can pursue their passion for snow sports. By empowering others, fostering equity, and creating supportive pathways, we can increase participation and opportunities for women in the snow sports industry.
I am genuinely excited about the future of our industry and the opportunity to work with AWS to create a more inclusive and diverse snow sports community. Together, we can inspire junior instructors and pave the way for a more balanced industry.
Hi, I'm Victoria Carpentier. I am a mum of three and have been immersed in the snow industry for well over a decade, beginning with my first season at Charlotte Pass in 2013. Since then, I’ve worked at resorts across Australia, the USA, and Japan. Alongside my work in Snowsports, I’m also a physical education teacher, which brings an additional perspective to coaching and movement.
Read moreAs I’m now a mother of three, living year-round in NSW's Snowy Monaro region and worked towards my APSI certifications after having children, I understand the challenge of balancing training, professional development, and family life.
I’m passionate about bringing that perspective to the AWS committee and advocating for changes that help women remain in the industry after having children, while continuing to grow and thrive professionally.
Hi everyone, I'm Tori Wight. I grew up in Toronto, Canada spending my winters ski racing at a small hill called Mansfield Ski Club, where I fell in love with skiing. This love for Snowsports only grew as I became a ski instructor and race coach back in 2012. Now an APSI Level 4, CSIA Level 4 and CASI Level 2, ACA Development Coach and Adaptive instructor, I feel so grateful to have been able to make a career out of my passion.
Read moreI have spent over a decade teaching skiing and snowboarding at various resorts and have now settled in Sun Peaks Resort in Canada and Falls Creek in Australia. Through my time in the snowsports, I have noticed a lack of female representation in our male-dominated industry and have developed a passion for supporting, empowering and encouraging more women to pursue careers in Snowsports.
Moving through my pathways, I rarely had the opportunity to see people who look like me in positions of leadership, particularly as trainers and examiners. Few role models to look up to. These experiences within our industry have given me valuable insights and perspective into the underrepresentation of women at the highest level and thus the further challenges for women at any level looking to further develop as an instructor. This led me to joining the Women in Skiing Committee for the CSIA and then the Advancing Women in Snowsports Committee for the APSI.
I am excited and privileged to be a part of committees full of strong women who are working to foster positive change in our communities. I have always aspired to see more woman join and stay in the industry and I want to be a role model and support women to reach their fullest potential. I want women to see this as a viable career path that they can excel in, that they are needed and have a place in the industry. I believe we can improve the entire industry by including those that have historically not been given the opportunity to contribute.