Ski School Champs – 2012 Day 1

This is the Sixth year that Basecamp have hosted the Independent Schools Ski and Snowboard Championships. Our aim is to provide an all round enjoyable and educational experience with a focus on the competitive element of skiing and snowboarding. We see it as the perfect event for anyone who is looking to prepare for a season of racing, learn new skills, or simply have a ski holiday with a difference at the start of the Christmas holidays!

It feels great to be back out in Les Deux Alpes, and we are fortunate enough to be joined by 6 seperate schools for the Champioships, and 5 for the whole Basecamp Experience (2 days of training, night time activities and two days of races.)

We all had an early start this morning, and I don't think I was alone with the 2.45am alarm call! It was a 4am meet at Gatwich for Ardingly College, and Kings College Wimbledon. The early start hadn't dented anyones enthusiasm, the prospect of the best early December snow for 50 years was simply too good, as every was in incredibly high spirits. We were later joined by Whitgift who are coming out for their third event, and St Swithuns who are on their maiden voyage with us, and it is a pleasure to welcome them to what we hope will be a long line of championships!

After a three hour transfer from Geneva we checked into the Hotel Belle Etoile, our home for the next four days, and then headed down to the local ski store to fine tune equipment or pick up rentals.

As part of the all round educational element of the program we were joined by a local Dainese representative before supper who kindly came to show case their latest safety equipement, and offer a range of top quality products at discounted rates.

We're now all set for a long day on the mountains tomorrow with the first day of ski training in anticipation for the start of the races on Monday!

Enjoy this video that we have put together of our adventures from day 1 (it's better on the full screen!).

Lots more to come!