Practical Learning Meets Professional Certification

At the end of Term 3, Year 10 and 11 students at Snowy Mountains Grammar School took a significant step toward their future careers in the snowsports industry by completing the Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST1) course.

This internationally recognised qualification is a key credential for anyone planning to work in avalanche-prone or backcountry environments and forms an important foundation for future pathways in outdoor leadership, ski patrol and adventure tourism.

smgs avalanche skills training 1 careers 1 | Snowy Mountains Grammar School | Practical Learning Meets Professional Certification

Delivered by Snow Safety Australia, the program provided students with essential backcountry risk assessment and decision-making skills. It combined theory with hands-on field experience, enabling students to apply classroom learning in a professional context. Students learned how to assess terrain, recognise avalanche hazards and respond effectively in real-world situations.

The course is part of SMGS’s broader commitment to career readiness, helping students connect learning with industry-recognised qualifications. By gaining exposure to professional standards and safety practices, students not only built technical knowledge but also developed employability skills such as teamwork, critical thinking and leadership.

smgs avalanche skills training 1 careers 2 | Snowy Mountains Grammar School | Practical Learning Meets Professional Certification

Programs like AST1 highlight the value of practical, experience-based learning within the SMGS curriculum. Whether students choose to pursue careers in snowsports, environmental science or outdoor education, these opportunities provide a competitive advantage and a clearer pathway toward industry success.

Thank you to Snow Safety Australia for partnering with SMGS to deliver this valuable training and supporting our students as they explore future careers in the snowsports industry.

snowy mountais grammar school | Snowy Mountains Grammar School | Practical Learning Meets Professional Certification