SKIERS INTERESTED IN RACING

Ski Racing covers a wide range of activities from the fun races run by the local ski schools in holiday resorts to World Cup races and the Olympic Games.

British skiing is organised for development purposes by the Home Nation Governing Bodies (England, Scotland and Wales).

The British Championships are organised by Snowsport GB, which is also responsible for the British Squads and Teams to Olympic Games etc.

England, Scotland and Wales have National Alpine Squads, which serve to introduce young racers to international competition and are the normal route of entry to the British Teams.

In between these two extremes, Snowsport England has developed the sport for English skiers over the past 30 years and it is now possible to gain access to ski racing in several ways.

Within England, many dry and indoor snow slopes run a range of racing activities from local fun races on special days, to serious training and coaching for committed skiers - this is usually available through the local ski club.

Some of the bigger slopes run Summer League races, which are immense fun and allow between 8 and 25 runs per person per day. For a list of slopes please visit: http://www.snowsportengland.org.uk/

In the first instance it is advisable to join a local ski club and join in these local events. For a list of clubs please visit: http://www.snowsportengland.org.uk/

When you have reached a suitable standard, the coach at your club will advise you to register with Snowsport England as a performer and this will entitle you to compete in the races organised by Snowsport England and earn Seed Points within the Club National and Grand Prix events.

Registration as an English racer will also permit you to apply for entry into Seeding Races run by Scotland and Wales.

The Home Nation Governing Bodies run competitions on artificial and indoor snow slopes within their countries. Racing in these competitions enables you to learn the format of slalom racing and the procedures that occur in even more serious races including international events. You will meet current and past international racers at these events which take place around the UK from May to October each year.

Snowsport England also organises the English Alpine Championships in the Alps, currently at February half-term - to enable aspiring racers to use their experience in races held on snow and which are seeded within the British Alpine Seeding System (BASS).

The other Home Nation Governing Bodies also run races which registered English Skiers may enter on merit - as indicated by their Seed Points.

The British Alpine Championships are open to all registered racers who come within the published BASS or FIS seed point criteria.

Most of the Championship races are run as international events and often attract some of the world s top racers.

Useful web sites:

Snowsport England: http://www.snowsportengland.org.uk/

Snowsport Wales: http://www.snowsportwales.net/

Snowsport Scotland http://www.snowsportscotland.org/

Snowsport GB: http://www.snowsportgb.com/

International Ski Federation: http://www.fis-ski.com/