SnowVenture 2026
Youth Led, Adults Support
Scouts ACT Venturer Scout Council hosted its first ever Branch wide downhill skiing event from 2 – 5 July, SnowVenture 2026. A four-day alpine adventure, comradeship, and the kind of practical challenge that only the mountains can offer.
True to its name, the event was organised by Venturer Scouts, for Venturer Scouts, and stood as an amazing example of the Scouting principle of ‘Youth Led, Adults Support.’ From risk planning to registrations to daily logistics, accommodating and transport bookings to negotiating cheap gear hire, the program was driven by young people stepping up to lead their peers with experienced Leaders on hand to guide, support, and ensure everything ran safely and smoothly.
The timing could not have been better. The resort had been all but bare of snow just a day before the Group’s arrival, and Venturer Scouts were rewarded with some of the season’s first substantial snowfalls, a stroke of good fortune that turned Perisher’s slopes into a genuine winter wonderland for the occasion.
Participants of every skill level took part, from complete beginners strapping on skis for the first time to seasoned veterans of the slopes. Regardless of ability, everyone found their own challenge on the mountain, and several Venturer Scouts had the rare thrill of carving the very first runs of the season on newly reopened chairlifts. Participants were able to complete Outdoor Adventure Skills across Stages 3-5 of the Alpine.
‘It was such a fun experience going all the way from Sydney to Perisher, and it gave me a real sense of independence. I also made new friends along the way, which made the whole trip even more memorable and enjoyable.’ – Kiera, Venturer Scout (Scouts NSW)
Beyond the skiing itself, the event was a wonderful opportunity to bring together Venturer Scouts from both the Scout ACT and Scout NSW, fostering new friendships and a stronger cross-branches community. The Group was based at the NSW Alpine Activity Centre in Jindabyne, which served as a warm and welcoming basecamp between days on the mountain.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the Leaders who supported the event from start to finish, and the enthusiasm of the Venturer Scouts who threw themselves into it wholeheartedly. A heartfelt thank you to all involved.
Here’s to next year, where we hope to see even more Venturer Scouts and Leaders can join us as the ACT SnowVenture returns bigger, bolder, and better than ever.
Article by Lachlan, Venturer Scout
Chair, Branch Ventuer Council, Scouts ACT
