Today, Scotty James and Thredbo Resort joined forces to host the first-ever MOOKi’s Mini Pipe Cup event. This new free skiing and snowboarding event was created to support the development of the next generation of aspiring Australian snowsport athletes.
Today’s sold-out MOOKi’s Mini Pipe Cup event provided 150 kids aged 7 – 17 the opportunity to spend the day riding with Scotty James in the newly built MOOKi’s Mini Pipe.
Australian pro snowboarder, Olympic medalist and the world’s best halfpipe rider Scotty James became Thredbo’s newest ambassador earlier this year. As part of the partnership, Scotty generously donated a mini pipe cutter to Thredbo, enabling the resort to build the all-new MOOKi’s Mini Pipe in the Cruiser area that officially opened today.
To further support the future stars of Australian snowboarding, Scotty launched q brand-new MOOKi’s Mission Grant for kids at the event today. Awarded to two young riders who exhibited remarkable determination, effort, dedication and genuine passion for the sport, these massive prize grants included $1,250 cash and a 2025 Thredbo Season Pass.
By donating the mini pipe cutter, hosting this new event and launching the new MOOKi’s Mission Grant, Scotty says he is working with Thredbo to create opportunities for the next generation of Australian athletes to train, thrive and excel.
“It’s really special for me to be helping contribute to the growth of the sport right here in Thredbo where I grew up competing. It’s a full circle moment,” said Scotty James.
In addition to the 13ft Mini Pipe, Thredbo also opened Australia’s first-ever 22ft Halfpipe for Olympic training during a Southern Hemisphere winter snow season today.
Supporting athlete development ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Thredbo built this new Halfpipe as part of a world-class on-snow training facility with The Stomping Grounds Project. Enabling Australians to train for the Olympics in their backyard, this new training ground will host a huge lineup of elite snowsport athletes over the next month.
One of these athletes includes Scotty James who will spend the next three weeks training in the halfpipe and continuing his work as an ambassador inspiring next generation. Scotty launched his debut children’s book “MOOKi vs the Big Scary” last week and will host a book signing session for guests in Thredbo next Saturday.
