Sport Transfer Programs
AERIAL SKIING
The VIS Aerial Skiing Program is a nationally recognised talent transfer pathway, identifying acrobatic athletes and developing them into world‑class aerial skiers.
Athletes selected into the program are taught to ski, jump, and perform complex aerial skills on snow, supported by expert coaching and athlete support services. The program has access to a year‑round, world‑class training environment at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Brisbane.
Aerial skiing – part of the freestyle skiing discipline – has been showcased on the world stage since the 1992 Winter Olympic Games, following its first demonstration in 1988.
Australia’s first talent transfer initiative began in 1999, bringing high‑level gymnasts into the sport under the leadership of Geoff Lipshut and former VIS Program Manager Rachel Hunt. Since then, the program has become one of Australia’s most successful Winter Olympic pathways.
A LEGACY OF CHAMPIONS
For more than 20 years, VIS‑supported athletes have produced outstanding global results, including Olympic Champions, World Champions and World Cup Champions.
Athletes who have emerged from the program include Jacqui Cooper, Alisa Camplin‑Warner AM, David Morris, Lydia Lassila OAM, Laura Peel and recent Milano Cortina Olympic silver medallist Danielle Scott.
“Growing up I dreamed of going to the Olympics and when I didn’t make it as a gymnast, I thought my dream was a lost opportunity. Being recruited into aerial skiing was a second chance and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. It’s been an epic ride, one that I will always treasure.”
TALENT SEARCH
We are looking for the next Olympic Champion
The VIS and Olympic Winter Institute Australia (OWIA) are seeking driven, self‑motivated and resilient young athletes who thrive on challenge, embrace the training process and aspire to compete at the highest international level.
Aerial skiing athletes train and compete around the world, developing their skills in world‑leading facilities and on high‑quality snow.
We are currently recruiting:
- Retired gymnasts aged 15–17
- Level 8 or above
- Athletes with strong acrobatic ability and physical preparedness
- Individuals with a genuine passion for pursuing a high performance sporting career
- No skiing experience is required. Assessments are based on acrobatic skill, strength, work ethic and commitment.
Athletes from all Australian states are welcome to apply.
AERIAL SKIING NEWS
Future Green + Gold returns in 2026 to discover Australia’s next generation of Brisbane 2032 athletes
Milano Cortina 2026: A landmark Games for Australia and VIS talent
VIS aerial skier Reilly Flanagan gains valuable Olympic insight on debut
Milano Cortina 2026: A landmark Games for Australia and VIS talent
Danielle Scott soars to aerials silver in Milano Cortina
