Support our friend BJ Kaufmehl

To all friends, family and members of the wider Australian Snowsports community.

We would like to update you all regarding the condition of one of our friends and colleagues BJ Kaufmehl and ask you all to assist in any way that you may be able.




Many of you will know BJ through a variety of snow related forums, perhaps as a customer of his business Ski Barn which operated in Drummoyne, Sydney or through his Alpine skiing activities in Thredbo. BJ was the Thredbo Ski Race Club Captain for over 25 years, encouraging alpine athletes to achieve their best performances through hard work and self discipline. He has also been the Race Director for us throughout that period, overseeing Continental Cup, National FIS and Children’s races.




You may know BJ in his role accompanying future Australian Olympians Sport and Rec team European tours as they were making their way up the ski racing ladder or in his role as a National Alpine selector.



You may know him as an on hill Chief of Race in many interschools races over the years or you may know BJ as one of Thredbo’s true characters, wearer of the yellow ski helmet and always ready for a quick chat at the bottom of Crackenback.


In early October, whilst touring in Vietnam with 2 Thredbo friends, BJ sustained a cervical spine injury in a motor bike accident. He was well looked after there and subsequently evacuated back to Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital where he underwent further surgery to stabilise his spine.


At present BJ has no movement in his legs nor his hands, only in his upper arms. We don't know what the long term prognosis is at this point  but we do know that BJ is facing a very lengthy and uncertain rehabilitation period ahead.

This is where we need your support. We are looking to raise money to help with BJ's rehabilitation and occupational therapy requirements. The list is extensive and starts with a Wheelchair. 

BJ is a fighter and a healer. He is in good spirits and is eager to get started on his rehabilitation. 

If you are in Sydney he is always happy to have guests. BJ will be at the Royal North Shore Spinal Ward for the next Four Months (November - February). 

You can also contact him on Facebook or give him a call on Mob: 0418 448885.

Bj's message to everyone comes from his good friend Arne.


“I’ll be back”