Big White Ski Resort supports Austin White, snowboarding's next big star

The grade 12 student balances a straight-A average at school, a part-time job at a gymnastics facility and a spot on the BC Snowboard Cross Team, training and competing all over the world. 

Austin grew up snowboarding at Big White Ski Resort, taking the bus up to the resort every weekend from his home in Oyama. He started competing with the Big White Free Ride Team at a young age and found a natural talent in SBX. 
 
Due to strong results in the NorAm circuit, Austin is one of six Canadian male athletes selected to compete in the Junior World Championships this year, taking place in Slovenia at the end of March. This month, he will also travel to the Canadian Nationals in Quebec and head to the Worlds in Europe.
 
This is not the first time Austin has competed on an international level – he estimates that he currently spends half his time away travelling, and half his time at home catching up on schoolwork and other commitments.
 
Until this point, Austin’s competitions have been entirely self-funded by his family – but with costs increasing with each international competition, Austin is now seeking fundraising and sponsorship to continue on his SBX journey. 
 
“Competing on an international circuit is a dream of mine, and these competitions mark the next step of my snowboard cross career,” explains Austin. “National coaches look at results from these races in order to help make their team selections, which is why it is so important to participate in these events.”
 
Austin’s long-term goals are to earn a spot for the Canadian National SBX team to travel the world, competing on the world cup circuit. He also hopes to go to the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. 
 
“Snowboarding is my life– getting in a good carve is one of the best feelings in the world,” says Austin. “I cannot put into words how grateful I am to be able to do what I do. With everyone's help, I can continue to compete and excel in a sport that I love.”
 
You can support Austin via his GoFundMe page here:https://www.gofundme.com/austinwhitesbx
Any money he raises will be going towards travel expenses, coaching fees, entry and training fees, lodging and lift tickets.