Disabled WinterSport Australia

What Disabled WinterSport Australia does

Disabled WinterSport Australia (DWA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1978 and headquartered in Melbourne that operates as Australia's national peak body for adaptive winter sports. It serves individuals with permanent disabilities (mobility, limb difference, vision impairment) across five major Australian alpine resorts: Falls Creek, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Perisher, and Thredbo. Its core offering is an integrated adaptive snowsport ecosystem combining a trained volunteer guide workforce of approximately 300, specialized adaptive equipment (sit-skis including bi-ski, mono-ski, and dual-ski variants costing $14,000+ each, outriggers, snow sliders, vision-impairment headset guiding systems), structured multi-day camps, and member discounts of up to 50% on resort lift passes and lessons. The organization also operates the Para Nordic Program (Para Cross-Country and Para Biathlon), the Matthew Robinson Scholarship for emerging Para-athletes, and accessible accommodation facilities at Finsko's Lodge Jindabyne and Howman's Gap Alpine Centre at Falls Creek.

DWA's business model blends multiple revenue streams: individual memberships ($200 renewals, $300 new per season), associate memberships for volunteer guides ($80 renewals, $90 new, waived at 5+ volunteer days), guide services ($150 full day, $120 half day), equipment rentals ($75-80/day sit-ski, $25/day snow slider), and accommodation at $177.50-$755/night at Finsko's Lodge. The organization is heavily grant- and donation-dependent, receiving tax-deductible contributions, federal Sport Australia grants, Victorian Government infrastructure funding (including $4.2M for the Mt Hotham Alpine Gateway Building), and NSW Government support through Sport and Recreation centres. Distribution is primarily direct via resort-based services, member camps, organization camps for disability service providers (Cerebral Palsy Alliance, The Disability Trust, Kids Plus Foundation, Special Olympics Australia), and online booking through revolutionise.com.au and RezExpert.

The organization has built deep partnerships with Snow Australia, Paralympics Australia, Vail Resorts (Epic Australia Adaptive Pass), Biathlon Australia, World Para Nordic Skiing, YMCA Victoria (Howman's Gap operator), and the Australian Sports Commission, as well as veteran/military pathways through Invictus Games Australia and VESPA ParaBiathlon. As of 2026, DWA remains privately operated as a charitable NFP with no disclosed parent company, no funding rounds, and 11-50 paid employees supplemented by a large volunteer workforce.

Name

Disabled WinterSport Australia

Legal name

Disabled Wintersport Australia

Website

https://disabledwintersport.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Disabled WinterSport Australia is a not-for-profit founded in 1978 that provides adaptive skiing, snowboarding, and Para Nordic programs for people with disabilities across five major Australian alpine resorts, supported by a network of approximately 300 trained volunteer guides and specialized adaptive equipment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adaptive Snowsports Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Recreational Goods Rental (532284)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability & Adaptive Sports Organizations (Paralympic, Special Olympics) (MPAKACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Winter & Mountain Guides (Ski, Snowshoe, Avalanche, Ice Climbing) (THAAALAF), Winter Equipment Rental, Demo & Repair (Skis/Boards/Boots, Tuning) (THAAAJAH), Winter Adventure & Mountain Resorts (Ski, Snowboard, Snow Activities) (THAAAAAK)

Keywords

• Adaptive snowsports
• Adaptive ski equipment
• Volunteer guide programs
• Disability sport services
• Accessible alpine accommodation

Headquarters

HQ city

Melbourne

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Individual membership ($200-300/season) for people with disability, and associate membership ($80-90/season) for volunteer guides. Revenue supports organizational operations and service delivery.
2. Guide Services: Fees charged for adaptive snowsport guide services: $150 per full day, $120 per half day. Guides assist members with disabilities on slopes.
3. Equipment Rental: Rental fees for specialized adaptive equipment including sit-skis ($75-80/day) and snow sliders/wings ($25/day). Revenue supports equipment maintenance and replacement.
4. Donations and Grants: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. 100% of donations go directly to services. Also receives government grants for equipment, infrastructure (e.g., $4.2M Alpine Gateway Building), and program funding (e.g., Sport Australia Participation Grant for Para Nordic program).
5. Accommodation Services: Revenue from Finsko's Lodge Jindabyne accommodation. 3-bedroom units from $381/night (summer) to $755/night (snow season weekend). Studio rooms from $177.50/night (summer) to $441/night (snow season weekend). Members receive 10% discount.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Disabled WinterSport Australia provides adaptive snowsport services for people with disabilities across Australia's five major alpine resorts. Its core offering is a membership-based program that bundles access to specialized adaptive equipment (sit-skis, outriggers, snow sliders, vision-impairment guiding systems), trained volunteer adaptive guides, lift pass and lesson concessions, and multi-day member camps. The organization also operates accessible accommodation facilities and an athlete development pathway to Paralympic competition.

Product overview

Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) is a national organization supporting people with disability to access skiing and snowboarding. The core offering is a unified membership program providing access to adaptive equipment, trained volunteer guides, lift/lesson concessions, and member camps across five major alpine resorts. The product ecosystem includes resort-specific services (Resort Services Program), structured multi-day camps (Member Camps and Organisation Camps), accessible accommodations (Finsko's Lodge and Howman's Gap Alpine Centre), and resort facilities (Alpine Gateway Building, Falls Creek Hub). Value-added programs include the Para Nordic Program for cross-country/biathlon, the Epic Australia Adaptive Pass and Thredbo Adaptive Season Pass for resort access, and the Matthew Robinson Scholarship for athlete development. The organization also operates a Volunteer Guide Program with associate membership, providing training pathways and benefits for volunteers who serve as adaptive snowsport guides.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Para Nordic Program: Winter Paralympic sport program incorporating Para Cross-Country and Para Biathlon disciplines launched in 2022.

Products and services

• Resort Services Program On-mountain adaptive snowsport support providing trained volunteer guides and adaptive equipment (sit-skis, outriggers, snow sliders) to assist members with disabilities ski and snowboard at five major Australian resorts: Falls Creek, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Perisher, and Thredbo.
• DWA Individual Membership Annual membership program for individuals with permanent disability providing access to adaptive equipment hire, volunteer guides, lift pass and adaptive lesson concessions (up to 50%), member camps, and community. Season pricing: $300 new, $200 renewing.
• Volunteer Guide Program (Associate Membership) Associate membership program for volunteer adaptive snowsport guides, including training pathways (Level 1 New Guide, Level 2 Existing Guide, Vision Impairment, Sit-ski, Refresher), free lift tickets, accommodation subsidies, and uniform. Season pricing: $90 new / $80 renewing; waived with 5+ volunteer days.
• Member Camps Multi-day winter camps held at Falls Creek, Perisher, and Thredbo offering accommodation, lift tickets, meals, guided skiing/riding, adaptive equipment, and snowsports instruction. Includes both participation camps and athlete development camps for individual DWA members.
• Organisation Camps Group camp programs conducted for disability organizations such as Cerebral Palsy Alliance, The Disability Trust, Kids Plus Foundation, Special Olympics Australia, and Disability Sport & Recreation, introducing their clients with disabilities to skiing and snowboarding at Victorian and NSW resorts.
• Para Nordic Program Year-round Para Nordic Skiing program incorporating Para Cross-Country and Para Biathlon disciplines, with programs in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Wodonga, Jindabyne, Adelaide, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, and Perisher Ranges. Supported by Sport Australia Participation Grant and partnerships with Snow Australia, Paralympics Australia, Biathlon Australia, and World Para Nordic Skiing.
• Adaptive Equipment Rental Rental of specialized adaptive equipment including sit-skis ($75-80/day), outriggers, snow sliders ($25/day), and snow wings for member hire. Equipment rated to maximum 100kg per weight policy.
• Adaptive Guide Services Fee-for-service adaptive snowsport guide assistance at Australian alpine resorts. Full day guide $150; half day guide $120. Guides are trained volunteers supporting members with disabilities on slopes.
• Finsko's Lodge Accommodation Fully accessible accommodation at Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre, NSW, available year-round to DWA members. Offers Studio rooms (sleeps 2-3, from $177.50/night summer to $441/night snow season weekend) and 3-bedroom units (sleeps 10, from $381/night summer to $755/night snow season weekend). DWA members receive 10% discount. Managed in partnership with Sport and Recreation NSW.
• Howman's Gap Alpine Centre Accommodation Fully accessible 34-bed accommodation facility at Falls Creek, Victoria, managed by YMCA Victoria. Features six bunk-bed rooms with en-suite bathrooms and the only Changing Places bathroom above the snowline in Australia. Available to DWA members and the public; serves as a base for Victorian camps and programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50% discount on lift passes and adaptive lessons at major Australian resorts
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• World Para Nordic SkiingflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 July 2022International federation partner providing coaching expert Mr Kaspar Wirz for coach training and program development advice. Supports DWA's Para Nordic Skiing program establishment in Australia.
• Vail Resorts (Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Perisher)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2022Launched Epic Australia Adaptive Pass providing equal value and opportunity for eligible guests with disabilities to access Australian and North American resorts without additional costs. Major initiative under Vail's 'Be Inclusive' value.
• Falls Creek Alpine ResortcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic resort partner providing DWA with dedicated hub space in Slalom Plaza (opened June 2023). Falls Creek received $180,000 Victorian Government grant for Changing Places bathroom facility. DWA members receive up to 50% concession on lift passes and adaptive lessons.
• Mt HothamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner with $4.2M Alpine Gateway Building (opened June 2024) providing undercover disabled parking, storage, change rooms, and direct snow access. Includes 20sqm workshop, 25sqm transfer room for sit-skiers, and DWA Hub in Hotham Centra. Mt Hotham launched nation's first Resort Disability Visitors Guide.
• Mt BullercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor resort partner offering DWA members 50% off season memberships and single day tickets, 40% off private lessons, and 50% resort taxi discount. Double Black Alpine partnership provides exclusive transfer rates for DWA members.
• PerishercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor resort partner with dedicated DWA Disability Access Information page and Snowsports School coordination for adaptive lessons. Vail Resorts partnership includes Epic Australia Adaptive Pass for DWA members.
• ThredbocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner40+ year partnership with Thredbo offering DWA members 50% off adaptive winter season passes. Stuart Diver (GM) confirmed Thredbo's commitment to inclusivity. DWA members can request Adaptive Season Pass through resort.
• Snow AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational sporting organization partner for adaptive wintersport development. Collaborates on Para Nordic program development, athlete pathways, and coach/guide training with World Para Nordic Skiing support.
• Paralympics AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint partnership for athlete pathway development, Paralympic team connections, and Matthew Robinson Scholarship administration. DWA members have pathway to Paralympic competition through this partnership. Joint media releases for athlete announcements.
• Australian Sports Commission (ASC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal government sports authority providing strategic support and recognition. DWA acknowledges ASC as key partner in volunteer week celebrations and national sport development.
• NSW Government (Sport NSW)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNSW government sports authority partner supporting DWA operations through Sport and Recreation centres including Finsko's Lodge at Jindabyne.
• Victorian GovernmentflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerVictorian government partner providing $4.2M funding through Regional Development Victoria for Alpine Gateway Building and $180,000 for Changing Places facilities. Sport and Recreation Victoria partnership for Howman's Gap.
• YMCA VictoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYMCA Victoria manages Howman's Gap Alpine Centre, fully accessible 34-bed accommodation facility above the snowline with Changing Places bathroom.
• Biathlon AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Para Nordic Skiing program development including Para Biathlon disciplines. Works with DWA on coach and guide training for Para Biathlon.
• Paralympian James MillarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralia's only ever Paralympic level Biathlete leads Para Nordic steering group ensuring athlete and participant focus in program development.
• BolléminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium eyewear and snow sports equipment brand offering 25% discount to DWA members on sunglasses, goggles, and helmets using code BolleDWS25.
• Rhythm Snowsports (Cooma)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSnowsports retailer since 1985 offering 15% discount to DWA members at Australian outlets (also operates in Japan). Members show DWA card for discount.
• Black Mountain Equipment (Mt Buller)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSki and snowboard rental equipment provider at Mt Buller offering 15% discount to DWA members using code DWA15 (48-hour advance booking required).
• Altitude Retail & Rental (Mt Buller)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMt Buller's own ski and snowboard service provider offering 20% off tune shop services for DWA members. Includes state-of-the-art Montana Crystal Magic tune machine.
• Double Black AlpineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPrivate transfer service for Victoria's High Country offering DWA members exclusive discounted rates and flexible cancellation. Contact: 1300 322 574.
• VESPA ParaBiathloncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeteran sport organization partnership for wounded, injured, and ill veterans and serving ADF members with disabilities, especially for Invictus Games Canada 2025 winter disciplines.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Challenge Aspen: US non-profit offering adaptive ski programs, instructor training, and military/veteran programming at Aspen-area resorts. Comparable to DWA's adaptive lesson, volunteer base, and Invictus/ADF veteran partnerships.
• National Ability Center: US non-profit providing adaptive recreational programming including alpine and Nordic skiing, biathlon, and Paralympic athlete development at Park City, Utah. Comparable to DWA in mission, equipment-based programming, and elite athlete pipeline focus.
• Achieve Tahoe: Adaptive ski school providing private lessons with trained instructors and adaptive equipment at Palisades Tahoe, California. Comparable to DWA's resort-services, lesson coordination, and adaptive equipment rental offering.
• Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS): Canada's national volunteer-based adaptive snowsports organization providing trained guides, sit-ski equipment, and lessons at resorts across Canada. Directly comparable to DWA as a national, member-supported adaptive ski body with similar guide training and member concession models.
• Disability Snowsport UK: UK charity delivering adaptive skiing and snowboarding to people with disabilities through volunteer guides and adaptive equipment at UK resorts. Operates a near-identical mission, membership structure, and resort-services model to DWA.
• New England Disabled Sports: Non-profit delivering adaptive alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and biathlon programs across New England ski areas with trained volunteer instructors. Closely mirrors DWA's volunteer-led guide model and equipment rental operations.

Others

• Cerebral Palsy Alliance: Major Australian disability service provider and DWA Organisation Camp partner. Operates as a referral/distribution channel sending clients into DWA programs, but does not compete directly as an adaptive snowsports provider.

Broad incumbents

• Snow Australia: National sporting organization for snow sports in Australia and a Core DWA partner. Comparable as a national alpine sport body but not disability-specific; DWA programs sit underneath Snow Australia's broader governance framework.
• Special Olympics Australia: Australian national body for sport for people with intellectual disabilities. A current DWA camp partner with overlapping inclusive-sport mission but much broader scope (summer/winter, all sports) than DWA's alpine focus.
• Paralympics Australia: National Paralympic federation selecting and supporting Australia's Paralympic teams. A DWA partner that shares athlete-pathway outcomes but operates at national sports governance scale rather than direct service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/DisabledWintersportAustralia
• Instagraminstagram.com/disabled_wintersport_australia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/disabled-wintersport-australia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Disabled WinterSport Australia