After a storming first 2 years, the Independent Schools SKi & Snowboard Championships (ISSSC) is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting additions to the booming competition circuit in the UK. 2007 saw 35 schools and over 60 competitors descend upon the French skiing mecca of Les Deux Alps for 4 days of comps, races, parties and season-starting antics.
Event Outline
Hosted by Base Camp, the ISSSC take place annually, showcasing the best of British schools skiing and snowboarding talent at all levels. Run on Les Deux Alpes' World Cup pistes, the Championships is a unique educational trip designed to cater for competitive racers as well as conventional holiday skiers alike.
The Championships occurs over a long weekend before Christmas. The first 2 days are devoted to training and combine intensive coaching with a variety of games and exercises culminating in the team Parallel Slalom event.
The second 2 competition days host both the individual and team Slalom and Giant Slalom races finishing with the eagerly anticipated freestyle comp. After skiing and in the evenings activities and workshops take place
with the prize giving being held at a themed Gala Dinner on the final night.
- To view the 2006 DVD click here (this is a large file so may take 5-10 minutes).
- To view the 2007 photo gallery click here.
What Pupils & Teachers Think!
"Having spoken to Ardingly College pupils on the trip, every single one voiced their wish to come to the same event next year, having experienced such a good balance of fun and hard work within, what was for some, their first introduction to racing. The event was aimed directly for the target audience; a capable skier that wanted more than just a leisurely week away."
Lucinda Calvert, Ardingly Teacher
"It is hugely helpful to have someone with your experience running such an event and I know that all the staff at Wellington were delighted with the way you and your team ran the Championships. It was in every respect an extremely positive experience for all concerned...."
Robin Dyer, Deputy Head Wellington College
'The trip was deemed a great success by all who went, with everyone already in eager anticipation of next year's event. The trip was tiring, cold, competitive and a lot of hard work on the slopes but also provided all who went with unforgettable memories and lasting friendships, as well as a great introduction to racing on snow.'
Madeleine Smyth, Ardingly Pupil
Les 2 Alpes
Les Deux Alpes boasts a unique landscamp of mountain pastures surrounded by high alpine peaks. The ski area descends from the summit of the La Dome de la Lauze glacier and is guaranteed an excellent quality of snow throughout the season. Les 2 Alpes large and varied ski area along is complimented by an efficient lift system and one of the best snowparks in the Alpes, famous for its pro-rider demos and weekly contests.
Built on a narrow ledge below what were once the high summer pastures of sheep and goat farmers, Les 2 Alpes is one of the oldest French resorts. It has two main streets that are lit by night with a variey of shops and cafes. Popular activities include ice-skating, cascading and quad motorbikes and provides an array of entertainment pff the slopes as well as on.
Provisional itinerary for the 2008 ISSSC
Wednesday 17th December: Arrival
Base Camp representatives to meet shcools at UK and Overseas airport and accompany schools to hotel in Les 2 Alpes.
17.00 Welcome talk, Equipment fitting by Base Camp support team
19.00 Dinner in Hotel
Thursday 18th December / Friday 19th December: Training Days 1 & 2
7.30 Breakfast in Hotel
9.00 Meet instructors at meeting point for Ski and Snowboard Programme.
Pupils will be pre-organised into groups based on ability and preferance (racing, freestyle, etc) and there will be a buddy system to ensure each pupil is with another school colleague.
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Ski and Snowboard Programme (Parallel Slalom on Friday 19th - teams of 6)
17.00 Return to Hotels after riding
19.00 Dinner (Saturday 16th December 18.00 Team Captains Meeting)
20.00 Thursday 18th December - Free time/video, Friday 19th December - World Cup/Olympic talk
Saturday 20th December: CHAMPIONSHIP DAY 1
8.30 - 9.00 Course Set Up
8.45 Pupils meet instructors at meeting point. (Snowboarders will have Freeride and Freestyle instruction)
9.00 - 9.45 Course Inspection
10.00 - 11.30 Slalom First Leg
11.30 - 1.30 Lunch
1.00 - 2.00 Slalom Second Leg
2.30 Freestyle Training, Race Coaching or Personal Development
17.00 Return to hotels
18.00 Captains meeting
20.00 Ski Tuning Clinic / Pro Rider Presentation
Sunday 21st December: CHAMPIONSHIPS DAY 2
8.30 -9.30 Course Set Up
8.45 Pupils meet instructors
9.00 - 9.45 Course Inspection
10.00 - 11.30 Giant Slalom First Leg
11.30 - 1.30 Lunch
12.30 - 2.00 Giant Slalom Second Leg
2.30 Freestyle Competition
17.00 Return to Hotels
19.00 Prize Giving, Gala Dinner and Disco
Monday 22nd December: Departure
7.00 Breakfast
9.00 Departure
There are a limited number of places on the ISSSC 2008 and early preperation and booking is advisable. For any queries please contact our UK office on +44 207 2436222.
