Swiss Pro Team athlete, Lauro Brändli, representing Team BSV IBEX is on his 5th winter season down in Australia. With other Pro Team athletes set to come down under for the European Summer, we asked Brändli some questions about what makes Australia so special to train and race. Brändli also reveals his original decision to move to Ski Classics.

Brändli has competed in Ski Classics Pro Tour circuit with Team BSV IBEX now for five seasons. Originally moving over to Ski Classics after a few years on the Europa Cup circuit post his time on the Swiss Junior team, Brändli stated he was tired from the continuous battles with the Swiss Ski association and system, “I was seeking a new challenge.”

Retire or to seek something new 

This was Brändli’s choices ahead of him. Brändli was a multifaceted athlete, being good at both Sprint and distance. He found his talents in long distance skiing, which caught the eye of coach Markus Walser. 

Walser saw an opportunity to form a team for Ski Classics, seeing a number of athletes in a similar position, looking for a new challenge and opportunity. 

Team BSV IBEX was formed and is the first and only Pro Tour team based out of Switzerland. Brändli and Walser are actively promoting long distance skiing in Switzerland, building popularity for Ski Classics within Switzerland.

Down Under 

Read More: Julia Kern and Jessie Diggins Training On Snow In Australia

What makes Australia so special to train?

“Well as a European you can train on snow in summer, without being at a high altitude or having to travel up and down a mountain.”

Brändli spends most of his time at Falls Creek, the home of Ski Classics Challenger, the Kangaroo Hoppet. Falls Creeks ski trails sit at a decent elevation of 1500m-1780m. 

Read more: Kangaroo Hoppet – The first Ski Classics Challengers event in Australia

“I really appreciate to put away the roller skis for a longer amount of time, not only for a week. I am able to do what I love most, ski on snow.”

What is your favourite thing about Falls Creek? 

“The ski in and ski out accommodation and trail access. It is also a small village, with surprisingly a lot of things going on at once.”

With accommodation on mountain, Falls Creek’s 60+ kilometres of xc skiing trails are accessible by skis straight from your door.

Read more: Iconic XC Ski trail under threat

Any advice for people wanting to come to Australia for skiing?

“Don’t over think it, just come and do it! It’s worth it!”

Read our guide here: Exploring Down Under: A Comprehensive XC Skiing Guide