“To be really straightforward, it’s a tough gig,” Bentley admits. “We don’t really get much, if any, funding towards our careers from Australia, so we pay for the majority of our skiing ourselves. Most of us have to work all year round to afford expensive travel for skiing each year, plus training and going to school or uni. It’s something not a lot of people can manage, but we pull through because we’re passionate. That’s what really shows in our community.”

It’s this passion that keeps Australia’s small but mighty cross-country skiing community moving forward, even as they carve out their place in a sport dominated by Europe and North America.

Learning by Doing

Coming from a nation with limited snow access and facilities, Bentley says the differences between Australian and European approaches to training are stark.

“We have such little access to the facilities they have in Europe that it’s honestly incomparable. Every season, we do so much learning about training and competition settings because we have such little access to this knowledge. I’ve learned so much just by travelling, competing, and talking to other competitors—things that have really shaped my training and built me into the skier I am today.”

A New Era for Aussie Skiing

Recent results by Australian skiers on the World Cup circuit and at U23 competitions have lit a fire in Bentley—and across the Aussie skiing community.

“It’s incredibly difficult not to be blown away by this season’s results. It really put a load of sticks into the fire for most Aussie skiers as a collective to show that we are capable of being competitive—that we aren’t just some guppies from a surfing nation. I’m really fired up to try and be in a space where I can call myself competitive. Aussies showing we are in the mix makes the fire in the soul burn something fierce.”

Read more: From U23 silver to Trondheim World Championships history

Life on the Road

Chasing snow means long stretches away from Australia—and for an Aussie, it’s no small distance.

“To be honest, it’s pretty tough,” Bentley says. “I spent 5–6 months overseas this season between North America and Europe. It takes its toll. It’s easy to get frustrated when you hear athletes from other countries whinging about being away from home. Try being 16,000 km away, in a completely different season, with no way of getting home unless you want to spend 24 hours on a plane and over $2000 on tickets.”

Homesickness is inevitable, but Bentley has his ways of coping: “I’ve got this secret recipe—phone calls with the parents and listening to Australian ‘bushland’ sounds on YouTube. It brings me back into a state of bliss.”

What does he miss most about home? “It’s hard to pick. Between the sounds of morning songbirds, the local bakeries, and the unmatched atmosphere of Australia. Family’s in there too somewhere.”

While training and racing take up most of his time, Bentley has found creative outlets to stay grounded overseas.

“Recently, I’ve started making videos on Instagram because cross-country skiing on Instagram is just so bloody boring. I want to make it a little more interesting in my own little way.”

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Endless Winter

Living in perpetual winter isn’t easy—and Bentley doesn’t sugarcoat it.

“Honestly, I wish I could say I handle it better than I do. It’s damn hard being in the cold and dark almost every month of the year. It absolutely gets depressing falling under the same routine and being cold all the time. But it really makes the sun and warmth, when you do get it, something special.”

Taking a real break is a challenge too. “For my coach’s sake, I’m gonna say I do. But in all honesty, I struggle with taking time off. Sitting around bugs me. I love to ski and train, so that’s how I relax.”

The Grind

Like many athletes from smaller nations, Bentley juggles elite sport with work and study.

“I spend the majority of my time running between uni, training, and trying to make enough money to survive. It leaves increasingly little time for relationships, social life, and other bits and pieces, but I love it. We have to work our asses off to afford skiing. While I’d love to pull a Johannes and go hang out in the Bahamas for a few weeks in my own private cabin, we’ve gotta get straight back into the grind.”

Advice for Visitors

With the Kangaroo Hoppet—the biggest event on the Australian ski calendar—just around the corner, Bentley has some typically Aussie advice for anyone thinking of coming out to race or holiday in the high country.

“Pack a rain jacket and take a tablespoon of concrete because you’re gonna need to harden up! Weather can be absolutely nuts out here. Be prepared for some of the best skiing you’ve ever done—or some of the worst. It’s such a 50–50 mix. Be ready for anything!”

Read more: Exploring Down Under: A Comprehensive XC Skiing Guide