The 7th Independent Schools Ski and Snowboard Championships was held in perfect conditions in the French resort of Les Deux Alpes, with up to 100 racers from a wide selection of schools from all over the country, competing in slalom, giant slalom and parallel slalom in boys, girls, junior and team divisions.
Held over four days the championships starts with two days of training allowing all competitors to find their rhythm before competing against each other on the main resort stade.
“This was my first time at the event, and I was hugely impressed by the races, and the friendly but competitive spirit in which they were run” commented Ian Roberts the Technical Director of the event, and Chairman of the British TD Forum.
With a very strong team, led by Sam Todd-Saunders. Hurstpierpoint took home the Gold team titles in both the slalom and giant slalom events. An impressive Whitgift took bronze, missing silver to Kings College Wimbledon by a meagre 0.05 seconds. Wycombe Abbey A team where responsible for nudging the Kings College Wimbledon team down the pecking order in the Slalom event.
Individually the Boys and Girls events were dominated by the Todd-Saunders siblings, with Sam and his younger sister Helen claiming the titles in both the Slalom and Giant Slalom. Jamie Butt from Ardingly showed huge improvement this year claiming a silver in both divisions, and the bronze medals were taken home by Jake Gilkinson from Whitgift and Hugo Mooney of Hurstpierpoint in the Giant Slalom and Slalom.
In the Girls Lucy Maynard and Olivia Knowles from Wycombe Abbey both claimed silver in the Slalom, and Giant Slalom respectively. Knowles also took home bronze for the slalom, and Coco Vulliamy-Taylor from St Swithuns took home the bronze in the Giant Slalom. To see two girls aged thirteen on the podium for the Girls Giant Slalom Senior Division is an impressive statement of intent, and bodes for some exciting times ahead for the division!
The Team Parallel Slalom was as exciting as ever, with a handful of nail biting legs. Wycombe Abbey in particular deserve special mention for getting to the final by claiming two gruelling bouts against Kings College Wimbledon and Whitgift. However, the Hurstpierpoint Team were simply too strong for the girls, and they claimed their third team trophy of the Championships.
The event was concluded with a Gala Supper, and prize giving ceremony with prizes from Basecamp Ski and Snowboard, Westbeach, Salomon and Rubix Kangaroo.
“We were very happy with how the event ran, and it was a great testament to see so many schools and pupils returning to the Championships year after year,” said Linley Lewis, the event organiser, and Basecamp Director.
The 2013 event promises to be equally spectacular with current interest indicating to 150 racers from over 10 schools.
For more information and photo's of the event view - http://www.basecampgroup.com/blog/6020213-independent-schools-ski-championships-2012
Results
Giant Slalom
Boys
1. Â Sam Todd- Saunders - Hurstpierpoint
2. Jamie Butt - Ardingly College
3. Jake Gilkinson - Whitgift
Girls
1. Helen Todd-Saunders - Hurstpierpoint
2. Olivia Knowles - Wycombe Abbey
3. Coco Vulliamy-Taylor - St Swithuns
Team
1. Hurstpierpoint
2. Kings College Wimbledon
3. Whitgift
Slalom
Boys
1. Â Sam Todd- Saunders - Hurstpierpoint
2. Jamie Butt - Ardingly College
3. Hugo Mooney - Hurstpierpoint
Girls
1. Helen Todd-Saunders - Hurstpierpoint
2. Lucy Maynard - Wycombe Abbey
3. Olivia Knowles - Wycombe Abbey
Team
1. Hurstpierpoint
2. Wycombe Abbey
3. Kings College Wimbledon
Parellel Slalom
1. Hurstpierpoint
2. Wycombe Abbey
Notes
Where
The event is run in Les Deux Alpes, France. A resort scaling up to 3600m with the option to race at 3 stades (conditions depending.)
When
Provisional dates for 2013 are Friday 13th December - Wednesday 18th.
Established
The event has been running since 2006.
What
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 run 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.
Who
The 2012 event had teams from Wycombe Abbey, St. Swithuns, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint, and Kings College Wimbledon.
Competition
Boys, Girls and Juniors - Giant Slalom, Slalom - Team and individual prizes
Boys and Girls - Parallel Team Slalom
We expect to have 150 competitors in 2013.
Event Management
The event is managed by Basecamp, an independent ski company who provide all pre-departure support, relevant risk assessments and both male and female staff over the event to ensure it is an enjoyable trip for the school teachers and pupils.
Race Management
The race days are managed by a British Technical Delegate and a French team of experienced race staff.
Options
Â
Full Package - £885pp (flights, transfers, training, full board accommodation, ski passes, race fees.)
Available on request - Tailored prices around specific requirements (e.g. race fees only, or no training etc.)
Staff places are complimentary on an 8:1 ratioÂ
For more information on how to enter teams for 2013 contact:
Â
Linley@basecampgroup.com
T: 02087899055
Testimonials
“I would strongly recommend the Championships to schools want an experience of Racing in a friendly but competitive environment.”
Sue Duke - Wycombe Abbey School
“We've been coming for over 5 years now, we use it as an early season ski trip, but do have a few strong skiers and it is a great opportunity for them to compete”
Richard Crook - Ardingly College
“For us the event is great as it gives our more experienced skiers a chance to compete, and gives the less experienced skiers a chance to have fun and learn”
Karl Gross - Whitgift School
“We've been coming every year, it is a great way to start the season, and it is just really well run!”
Jon Chesworth - Kings College Wimbledon
“We use the event as a great chance to get the season rolling, we have a handful of serious racers and it gets them charged up for the season!”
Fred Simkins - Hurstpierpoint
“2012 was our first year, and we will definitely be coming back next year, the girls loved it!”
Zoe Hillyard - St Swithuns