Australia's Most Qualified Ski Equipment Experts
Meet Your Expert Team: Co-owners Richard Ross (APSI Level IV) and Nicole Ross (PSIA Level 3) bring the highest level of international ski instruction credentials to Australian equipment retail.
Richard's APSI Level IV represents Australia's most demanding ski instructor qualification - achieved by fewer than 100 instructors nationwide. Nicole's PSIA Level 3 demonstrates mastery of American ski instruction methodology, recognised globally as the gold standard for technical skiing expertise.
Their instructing careers started at Mt Buller, took them overseas to Vail then Park City culminating in a stint on the private roster at Deer Valley, one of the world's most prestigious Ski Schools, a place that taught them many of the foundational customer service concepts they still live by today at aussieskier.
Combined, Richard and Nicole bring decades of technical expertise in understanding how skiers move, what equipment works, and why - across both Australian and international skiing systems.
Elite Global Backcountry Skiing & Testing Experience
Richard and Nicole combine world-class ski mountaineering credentials with systematic equipment testing across the globe's most demanding terrain.
Annual European Testing Program: Every summer they spend a month in the European Alps testing dozens of ski models from every major manufacturer - from icy morning groomers to deep Alpine powder, and meeting and skiing with legends such as Glen Plake and Candide Thovex
Elite Backcountry Skiing Experience:
- Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route: Completed the legendary high-altitude ski traverse
- Chamonix Classics: Extensive guided off-piste experience on iconic routes including Vallée Blanche, Argentière Glacier, and Grand Montets terrain
- Australian Wilderness: Multi-day self-guided ski camping expeditions on Mt Bogong, Mt Feathertop, and NSW Main Range
Why This Matters: When Richard and Nicole recommend backcountry or touring gear, they've personally tested that equipment on these exact types of expeditions - from Australian overnight tours to European ski mountaineering routes. Richard's role as an APSI Trainer/Examiner means he understands ski technique and equipment interaction at the deepest technical level.
Expertise Across All Disciplines & Destinations
Richard and Nicole's combined qualifications and 20+ years of international experience cover every destination and condition type that matters to Australian skiers:
Global Testing Experience:
- USA: Extensive skiing during instructor careers at Vail, Park City, and Deer Valley
- Europe: 15+ years of annual ski trips and ski testing across French, Swiss, Italian and Austrian Alps, spanning glacier, extensive off piste and resort skiing.
- New Zealand: Club field skiing and helicopter access terrain
- Japan: Deep powder conditions and specialized equipment requirements
- Australia: Complete resort and backcountry expertise from Mt Buller to remote wilderness areas
Technical Specialisations:
- Professional boot fitting and biomechanics analysis
- Ski construction and performance characteristics
- Touring and backcountry safety equipment
- Equipment maintenance and tuning equipment
- Avalanche safety and wilderness navigation
The aussieskier Testing Standards
Richard's role as an APSI Trainer/Examiner brings systematic evaluation methodology to our equipment selection. We only stock gear that meets our rigorous criteria:
✓ Personally tested by Richard (APSI Trainer/Examiner) and Nicole (PSIA Level 3)
✓ Proven performance in Australian snow conditions
✓ Recommended by trusted industry experts within our network
✓ Suitable for Australian skiers' specific needs and travel patterns
Richard's experience training other ski instructors means he understands exactly how equipment affects skiing performance at every skill level.
Expert Boot Fitting & Equipment Selection
Our Prahran showroom (11 Aberdeen Rd, Prahran 3181) features professional boot fitting services led by Richard's APSI Trainer/Examiner expertise. We don't just sell you boots - Richard's deep understanding of ski biomechanics (from training other instructors) combined with Nicole's PSIA Level 3 technical knowledge allows us to analyze your skiing style, foot shape, and performance goals for perfect equipment selection.
Book a fitting appointment and experience the difference that Trainer/Examiner level expertise makes.
Transparent Knowledge Sharing
YouTube Channel: Watch our detailed ski reviews and technical breakdowns Trip Reports: Follow our testing expeditions and gear evaluations
Expert Guides: Access our comprehensive equipment buying guides
Our Promise
Richard and Nicole won't sell you gear that isn't right for your needs. Period.
With Richard's APSI Trainer/Examiner credentials, Nicole's PSIA Level 3 qualifications, elite ski mountaineering experience, and years of systematic international testing, they have the knowledge to match you with equipment that will genuinely improve your skiing. Whether you're taking your first turns at Perisher, planning a Japanese powder trip, or preparing for serious backcountry adventures, they've tested the gear and skied the conditions.
No other Australian ski retailer combines Richard's APSI Trainer/Examiner status with Nicole's PSIA Level 3 credentials, elite international mountaineering experience, and systematic equipment testing across every major ski destination.
aussieskier.com - Where Australia's highest ski instruction authority meets world-class equipment expertise.