Cox, James share snow athlete of the year

After breakthrough seasons in which both athletes became world best in their disciplines, moguls skier Britt Cox and snowboarder Scotty James shared the Australian Snowsports Athlete of the Year Award.

The pair led the way in the country's best ever season for winter sport athletes in which 35 medals were won at a World Cup level.

Cox, 22, became Australia's first female mogul skiing world champion and also claimed the World Cup series Crystal Globe for moguls with seven gold and two bronze in a dominant season.

James, also 22, is Australia's first back-to-back snowboard halfpipe world whampion, current World Cup series Crystal Globe holder, Winter X Games gold medallist and Burton US Open silver medallist.

He beat American Shaun White, widely regarded as the world's greatest ever halfpipe rider, at the X Games and test event for the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

"The spread of performances across so many of our snowsport disciplines and events is unprecedented and demonstrates the breadth and depth of our programs." said CEO of Australian Skiing and Snowboarding Michael Kennedy at the Melbourne awards night.

Alpine skier Mitch Gourley was named Para-Snowsport Athlete of the Year for a second year in a row, after another outstanding season that saw him win the Para World Championships for giant slalom, as well as the overall World Cup title.

Aerial skier, Lydia Lassila, took out the Outstanding Achievement Award having returned from a two-season break after having her second child to claim three World Cup victories.

The Junior Athlete of the Year was awarded to snowboard cross rider Adam Lambert.

Winners

Athlete of the Year

Britt Cox (moguls) and Scotty James (snowboard halfpipe)

Para Athlete of the Year

Mitch Gourley (alpine)

Junior Athlete of the Year

Adam Lambert (snowboard cross)

Rising Star

Tess Coady (snowboard freestyle)

Outstanding Achievement

Lydia Lassila (aerials)

Coach of the Year

Steve Desovich/Jerry Grossi (Moguls)