Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) officially unveiled the nation’s first Para Nordic program at Falls Creek Resort this week with a goal of establishing the sport, on and off snow, in Australia.

Para Nordic Skiing is a winter Paralympic sport that incorporates the disciplines of Para Cross-Country and Para Biathlon, with the program made possible thanks to funding from Sport Australia.

DWA received $445,255 from Sport Australia’s Participation Grant Program for the project which will benefit people with disability across five states.

Partnering with Snow Australia, Paralympics Australia and Biathlon Australia, DWA will develop and deliver coach and guide training, and pilot programs in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Jindabyne, Perisher, Wodonga, Adelaide, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.

“The opportunity to lead the establishment of a new sporting opportunity for people with disability is tremendously exciting,” DWA CEO Jenni Cole said.

“Once established, these programs will be available for people with disability year-round, on and off snow.”

DWA aims to provide freedom on snow through adaptive snowsport programs and equipment, training of specialist adaptive snowsport volunteer guides and working with alpine resorts and government to improve disability access to the alpine regions in Australia.

While traditionally a winter sport, athletes can train all year-round as they use roller skis off snow.

DWA said the addition of this new program significantly extends the offerings it can provide to its members.

Paralympian and Australia’s first competitor in biathlon James Millar led the steering group for the project and said the focus was ensuring it remained athlete and participant focused.

“When I was starting, I came through the interschools program and had to drive everything myself. For those athletes who will come through now, it’s fantastic to see this level of structure and support, from the start, right through to the podium.”

DWA is also working closely with veteran sport organisations such as VESPA so the sport is available to wounded and ill veterans and serving ADF members with a disability ahead of the Invictus Games in Canada in 2025 which will include winter disciplines for the first time.

Find out more about Para Nordic Skiing and the DWA's program.