Thredbo Resort, nestled in the Snowy Mountains of Novel South Wales, Australia, has been named the Official Ski Resort of Paralympics Australia, solidifying a commitment to adaptive snowsports, and accessibility. This partnership, announced on February 26, 2026, builds upon a longstanding relationship with Disabled Wintersport Australia and celebrates the achievements of athletes like Michael Milton and Ben Tudhope, aiming to strengthen pathways for athletes of all abilities to excel in winter sports. The collaboration comes on the heels of a successful showing by the Australian Olympic Team at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, and seeks to carry that momentum into the Paralympic Games.
The appointment signifies more than just a sponsorship; it represents a shared vision between Thredbo Resort and Paralympics Australia to foster inclusivity and opportunity within the Australian winter sports landscape. Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for Paralympics Australia. We’re proud to formalise this new relationship with Thredbo Resort, which solidifies our shared ambition to see Para athletes thrive at all levels of winter sport.” The collaboration will focus on delivering on-mountain activations and athlete engagement opportunities, directly supporting Paralympics Australia’s broader mission to grow participation, performance, and social impact.
A Legacy of Accessibility and Adaptive Snowsports
Thredbo Resort’s dedication to adaptive snowsports is not new. The resort has a long-standing connection with Disabled Wintersport Australia, a member organisation of Paralympics Australia, and boasts a comprehensive Adaptive Snowsports Program. This program provides tailored instruction and support for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can experience the thrill and challenge of skiing and snowboarding. The resort’s commitment extends beyond instruction, encompassing accessibility improvements throughout the resort to ensure a welcoming environment for all visitors. This partnership with Paralympics Australia is a natural progression of that ongoing dedication, strengthening existing pathways and creating new opportunities for athletes at every level.
The resort’s ambassadors, Michael Milton and Ben Tudhope, embody the spirit of resilience and excellence that defines the partnership. Michael Milton, Australia’s most successful Winter Paralympian, has amassed an impressive record of six gold, three silver, and two bronze medals across multiple Paralympic Games. Milton, a three-time cancer survivor, lost his leg to osteogenic sarcoma as a child but went on to achieve remarkable success in alpine skiing, cycling, and paratriathlon. Ben Tudhope, a three-time Paralympian and 2003 World Champion, made history as Australia’s youngest Paralympian at just 14 years old. Their stories serve as powerful inspiration for aspiring Para athletes and demonstrate the transformative power of sport.
Supporting the Australian Paralympic Team
The partnership will involve a range of initiatives designed to support the Australian Paralympic Team in the lead-up to and during the Paralympic Winter Games. Thredbo Resort will host on-mountain activations and athlete engagements, providing opportunities for guests to connect with Paralympics Australia and learn more about Para sport. These events will not only raise awareness but also generate crucial support for the athletes as they prepare to compete on the world stage. The resort’s commitment extends to providing training facilities and support services to help athletes reach their full potential.
Paralympics Australia’s mission is to create a more inclusive world through the power of sport, guided by three core priorities: supporting the Australian Paralympic Team, strengthening Para sport pathways, and driving meaningful social impact. The organization is committed to building a sustainable future for athletes at every level, and Thredbo Resort is eager to contribute to this mission. Initiatives like the “Green and Gold Seats” campaign, which allows Australians to invest directly in current and future Paralympic athletes through the purchase of virtual seats or corporate boxes in the team’s digital stadium, exemplify this commitment. More information about the Green and Gold Seats initiative can be found on the Paralympics Australia website.
Ben Tudhope on the Partnership
Ben Tudhope expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its potential to improve accessibility and opportunity in Australian winter sport. “Thredbo has played an important role in my journey, and it’s encouraging to see the resort continuing to strengthen its commitment to para sport,” he said. “Partnerships like this are an important step in improving opportunity within Australian winter sport – they’re creating space for the next generation of Australians with disability to discover what’s possible on snow.” Tudhope’s personal experience underscores the importance of accessible facilities and supportive programs in enabling athletes with disabilities to pursue their sporting dreams.
The success of the Australian Olympic Team at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina has undoubtedly created a wave of excitement and inspiration across the nation. Thredbo Resort aims to harness this momentum and carry it forward into the Paralympic Games, championing high performance on snow while inspiring a new generation of Australian winter athletes. The resort’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility will play a vital role in ensuring that all Australians have the opportunity to experience the joy and challenge of winter sports.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Thredbo Resort and Paralympics Australia represents a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and opportunity within Australian winter sports. As the Paralympic Winter Games approach, the collaboration will focus on providing athletes with the resources and support they require to succeed, while also raising awareness and inspiring a new generation of Para athletes. The long-term impact of this partnership is expected to be far-reaching, creating a more inclusive and accessible sporting landscape for all Australians.
The next key date for the Australian Paralympic team is the announcement of the full team roster for the Paralympic Winter Games, expected in late summer 2026. Further details regarding on-mountain activations and athlete engagement opportunities at Thredbo Resort will be released in the coming months. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this exciting partnership and to support the Australian Paralympic Team in their journey to the Games.