The Magic of Snow

Encouraged by his proud Austrian-heritage father, co-founder Scott Kessler, his Dad and his brother take to the snow for the first time.   These tentative steps as a learner progress into a lifelong passion for skiing through the Mt Buller Nastar racing program. What began as weekend trips quickly turned into a shared passion for the mountains. Scott’s Father even claimed the title of “Fastest Man on the Mountain,” earning a season pass that sparked countless family days on snow and an enduring love of the alpine.  These fond memories of snow-filled, alpine winters spent with family will become central to Scott’s mission to unlock the magic of snow for everyone, all year round. The nascent Australian snow scene is also fast taking shape, albeit with limited mainstream access to mountains and resorts, frustratingly short seasons and inconsistent conditions.

Igniting their passions, snow community and competition

Visionary co-founder Chris Northwood’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative streak is ignited in him by his father, who created the world’s first titanium golf club, among other business and sport ventures. Chris falls in love with snowboarding, being a regular Mt Buller rider when the boards were pointy, jackets were fluoro and most ski lifts didn’t allow you on with a snowboard strapped to your feet. As the interschool ski racing scene grew, Scott’s Dad became head coach, helping the team develop their skills and confidence on the slopes. Under his guidance, the team achieved top 3 podium results at State and national levels. This era also saw the rise of freeskiing and the influence of Warren Miller films, which inspired Scott’s enthusiasm for challenges, from downhill, moguls and exploring beyond the groomed runs.

A Family Affair

Third co-founder Dan Portelli ignites his passion for snow, adopting the latest snow-riding technology when snowboarding starts to appear in snow movies and soon after the local alpine regions.   Dan would go on to compete in Bordercross racing and instruct beginners across the world, from Japan to North America. All three co-founders deepen their connection to snow, blending family traditions with adventure. Scott, Chris, and Dan spend countless winters exploring Australia, Japan, Europe, North America and Canada’s alpine resorts, learning the nuances of skiing, snowboarding, and snow sports culture. These experiences plant the seeds for a shared vision: creating snow experiences that are accessible, innovative, and unforgettable.

From Racer to Mogul Skier

After school, Scott’s skiing evolved into competitive moguls—culminating in winning the 1991 Abom Mogul Challenge (amateur division) alongside some of the best-known pro freestyle skiers, including Glen Plake, Nick Cleaver, and Kirsty Marshall. These experiences cemented his deep connection to Australia’s snow community and culture.

Chasing innovation and the early learning curves

The idea for an entirely new way to experience snow was born, a vision to bring the magic of the mountains into everyday life. Inventor, Darren, led the charge, engineering and completing the world’s first 4.3-metre Snowtunnel prototype, proving a continuously rideable rotating tunnel experience. Fuelled by passion and foresight, patents were secured to safeguard the concept and lay a foundation for future innovation.

Action-sports and innovation

Following in his father’s footsteps, Chris Northwood invents another successful action-sports innovation, creating the world's first titanium skateboard truck hanger, co-founding Theeve Truck Company.  Chris was CEO & Founder of the global action sports company leading wholesale distribution, branding and marketing company selling products in 50+ countries, based in San Diego USA.

The Formative Years

Technology, business and creativity collides as the team continue their respective business careers creating successful technology start-ups. The magic of snow was never far away, with each co-founder seeking out the bonding alpine inspirations of global snow travel adventures and, in turn, introducing their own children to the joys of playing, learning and riding real snow. 

Three Generations on Snow

The passion for alpine experiences consolidates as a family legacy, when three generations of Kessler family come together to celebrate his father’s 80th birthday on the slopes of their home mountain Mt Buller—a fitting tribute to a lifetime spent sharing the joy of skiing and the mountains.   

Co-Founder Dan Portelli discovers similar inspiration, sharing the magic of snow with his own growing family, including his own instrumental parents, sharing the joyous first moments their family experiences at  the snow.  

Snowtunnel Parks Business is Established

Visionary Founder, Chris Northwood, develops the first commercial concepts and sets the wheels in motion for the Snowtunnel to become a global opportunity. Co-Founder and CEO, Scott Kessler, joins the team on a mission to bring this concept to life as a sustainable and accessible experience.

Proof of Concept Prototype #2

Build & user testing progress at pace, with a 10m / 33ft Proof of Concept operational and ridden by the first ever Snowtunnel Test Crew.

After experiencing the incredible advances of Prototype #2, investor Dan Portelli, joins the team as the third co-founder and Chief Operating Officer.

Key Partners accelerate Research & Development

TechnoAlpin snow making research & testing

Production Tunnel redesign & engineering
Site selection & assessment 
UK Joint Venture Executed

The Tunnel Construction

Senior Advisory & Marketing team appointed
Foundation Partners 
R&D Testing Lab established and making real snow
Tunnel construction underway
Locations pipeline expanded globally

Olympic Fever

Winter Olympics 2026
First location announcement
Site construction to commence
Snowtunnel ambassadors & test crew