Our friends over at Basecamp Ski and Snowboard are heading out to Les Deux Alps next week for their annual race championships. 

Photo Description: Sam Todd-Saunders of Hurst College will look to retain his crown for a fourth consecutive year [photo credit: Andy Green]

Running for it’s 9th consecutive season the Independent Schools Ski and Snowboard Championships is preparing for it’s largest ever attendance. Held in the snowsure resort of Les Deux Alpes from the 12th - 19th December the event will host over 180 racers from 12 of the countries leading independent schools.

With many of the alps resorts suffering from delayed opening times as a result of the thin snowfall so far this season, Les Deux Alpes benefits from a year round glacier which is where the event will take place.

Held over four days the event is considered to be the only one of its kind with its open approach, and race camp package. The championships is run as a fully inclusive package, and starts with two days of training with French coaches allowing all competitors to find their rhythm and learn the basics before competing against each other in Slalom, Giant Slalom and Parallel Slalom. The event finishes with a prize giving ceremony and there are various night-time activities organised throughout the week to keep all participants busy and entertained.

“We are delighted to have over 180 competitors from twelve schools this year. The event has continued to gather momentum each year, and is popular as whilst it is a competitive race, we are open to novice racers and the two days of training prior to the event are a great opportunity for the less experienced racers to learn the basics, and have the chance to put them to practise during the races themselves” said Event Director, Linley Lewis.

Hurstpierpoint return as defending champions, and will face competition from Lancing College, Whitgift School, Kings College Wimbledon, Clifton High School, Uppingham, Bedes, Steyning Grammar, Blundells, Churchers College, Albyn School and Wycombe Abbey Girls School.

The event is hosted by Basecamp Ski and Snowboard, and is thankful to a range of sponsors including Ruroc, Mojo Clothing, and Westbeach.

The event is a great opportunity for some early season racing for any keen racers, and also a great introduction to racing for anyone looking to give it a go, or get into the sport. Some schools see it as a training camp, some more of a ski holiday.

The Championships costs individuals £950 and runs for 5 nights and 4 days, to include two days of ski race training, with two days of competition. The event closes with a gala supper and prize giving. Price is inclusive of flights, transfers, full board accommodation, ski hire, training and all race fees.

For more info go to www.schoolskichampionships.com

Best of luck to everyone involved! 

The Mojo Team