AUGUST is a big month for the annual Interschools snowsports on Mt Buller with the cross country skiing championships a fine example of what to expect this month when the other disciplines get underway from August 19 to 25.

Snow Australia Victorian Interschools event manager David Spiers was extremely pleased with the start of the competitions which attracted 632 entries and 340 participants from 49 schools for the first day on Sunday August 4.

“It was perfect racing conditions with sunny skies and next to no wind,” said Mr Spiers.

“The classic tracks are well maintained and have a good course layout,” he said.

The day is divided into Classic cross country in the morning followed by the skate relay events in the afternoon.

The Classic runs over three kilometres for the older students in years 11 and 12.

Then over two kilometres for the lower secondary years and the primary school students do one kilometre.

The skate relay has teams of three and is shorter in distance.

However, division one team members do two laps each of one kilometre and the primary schools’ teams do one of 500 metres.

Mr Spiers, who has been in his role since 2013 is immensely proud of how the Interschools snowsports championships have grown since its inception 65 years ago.

“It has been super successful; schools have grown their own programs to integrate snowsports,” he said.

An important aspect of the Interschools snowsports events is the ability to welcome newcomers to feel comfortable trying the sport.

“I have a love of snowsports and want the best experience for families and children” while providing opportunities to compete at an elite level, Mr Spiers said.

He cited the likes of snowboarder Alex (Chumpy) Pullin and skier Jakara Anthony as examples of successful world class competitors who participated in Interschools at Mt Buller.

“Absolutely, great camaraderie and team work with great performances,” said Mr Spiers of the competition so far.

Entries for the upcoming competitions from Monday August 19 to Sunday August 25 was closing on Monday night August 5 and several thousand entries were expected.

The Wednesday of the Interschools’ program also includes the Multiclass race.

Prior to the race day, Disabled Wintersport Australia, runs two days of instructed development clinics with an opportunity for all ages to try skiing or snowboarding.

The Multiclass events are open to people with intellectual impairment, physical impairment or autism.