AMELIA FOUNDATION “Story” – 2026

The Amelia McGuiness Australian Snowsports Development Foundation (AMASDF) is pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 Amelia Foundation Scholarship Application process, in addition to the return of the Amelia Time-Trial Event to the Perisher Resort during late August, which will follow the late July Falls Creek Amelia Time-Trial Event.

The AMASDF is recognised and commended throughout the Snowsports community for its contribution and support of up-and-coming athletes. The Foundation is an operational Trust Fund within Snow Australia and has a small, but dedicated committee. It was established by Amelia’s parents in 2010, in honour of Amelia McGuiness, a gifted and talented athlete and student who passed in a tragic ski accident in 2009.

Over the past 16 years, the AMASDF has awarded $237,360.00 in Snowsports Scholarships to young athletes. This has been achieved through the ongoing support of schools, the resorts, families, individuals, and the business community. AMASDF funds are primarily generated through well supported annual Time Trial events at a number of resorts, and through the generosity of key supporters.

The foundation is dedicated to supporting developing athletes that have shown commitment to their training and their sport, as they move through the pathway to become an elite Snowsports athlete. Of note is that 13 members of the 2026 Winter Olympic Team from NSW, ACT & VIC were recipients of AMASDF Scholarships during their formative years, across six disciplines – Alpine GS, Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross, Moguls, Cross Country, and PARA Snowboard.

AMELIA Foundation Time Trial ONE - Falls Creek, Monday July 27

The Falls Creek Amelia Time Trial is open to all school-aged children, plus adults. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can compete in two events - Alpine Giant Slalom, and Snowboard Giant Slalom.

To enter this year’s event, please go the Event Entry page at AMELIA McGUINESS MEMORIAL TIME TRIAL - Falls Creek - Snow Australia Interschools

All monies raised in this specific Falls Creek Event are distributed to our emerging athletes who participated in last year’s Amelia Time Trial at Falls Creek, via the Amelia McGuiness Scholarship Application Program. The Objective is to provide practical support (for equipment, training, and resources), for up-and-coming winter Snowsports athletes from the age of 10 to 18 years old, across all disciplines including Para winter athletes, who participate in the Falls Creek Event. 

AMELIA Foundation Scholarships - 2025 Falls Creek Competitors

The Foundation is currently offering financial assistance to competitors from Divisions 1 to 4 who took part in the 2025 Amelia Time-Trial at Falls Creek Resort. A total of up to 8 scholarships will be awarded, each valued at approximately $500, contributing directly to the costs of training, equipment, or competition fees. Application are now open, and close on July 3. Click here for further information

AMELIA Foundation Time Trial TWO - Perisher, Friday August 28

The foundation's largest fundraiser makes a welcome return to the Perisher Resort on Friday 28^th August.

This Amelia Time Trial Event is open to all school-aged children, plus adults. OF NOTE in our return to Perisher for 2026, we are endeavouring to encourage the fun, involvement, and fund-raising objective of the Time-Trial Events, with a “Ski V’s Snowboard” approach in our results & awards process. Accordingly, skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can compete in EITHER the Alpine and Snowboard Giant Slalom, OR the Ski and Snowboard Cross Event.

To enter this year’s event, please go the Event Entry page at AMELIA McGUINESS MEMORIAL TIME TRIAL - Perisher - Snow Australia Interschools

As in previous years, all proceeds from this Perisher Event will go to the 2026/27 Amelia McGuiness Australian Snowsports Development Foundation Scholarship Program, along with other income from future fund-raising activities planned for 2026. It is anticipated that a new Scholarship Application process open to all up-and-coming winter Snowsports athletes from the age of 10 to 18 years old, across all disciplines, including Para Winter athletes, will commence either late in 2026, or early 2027.