Every year, the snow-capped slopes of Sestriere play host to the Independent Schools Ski Championship (ISSC), an exhilarating event that brings together 250+ skiers and racers from across the UK.
The ISSC involves five days of intense training and friendly competition in disciplines like parallel slalom, slalom, and giant slalom.
The ISSC isn't just about competition - it's about camaraderie and personal growth. We believe that snow sports teach valuable skills and offer numerous benefits for young people.
That’s why this year we were delighted to welcome three apprentices from Snow Camp - a charity dedicated to using snow sports to break down barriers and broaden horizons.
Their mission is to inspire and empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, using the power of snow sports to instil confidence, resilience, and ambition.
For the apprentices from Snow Camp, this was their first racing experience. Despite initial apprehension, they soon found themselves growing in confidence with each run down the mountain.
Lydia Honey, a Snow Camp mentor, reflected on the experience:
Our apprentices improved their skiing and confidence significantly throughout the week and have come home with many happy memories. Although very apprehensive to take part in the ski racing at first, the reassurance and guidance from the Halsbury reps, the local ski instructors and the Impulse race team meant they felt supported each time they stood on the start line.
It was a particular highlight when Robyn came 4th in the U19 girls slalom. At the final night awards they were surprised and thrilled to scoop 2 of the team prizes which now sit proudly in the Snow Camp North West offices!
Thank you Halsbury for getting Snow Camp involved and providing three young people with an unforgettable experience.
The apprentices themselves echoed this, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow.
Kai Jones shared:
Learning how to race was a great experience to gain more knowledge of different parts within the snow sports industry. I really enjoyed speaking to the other more experienced racers about their stories. I really loved how racing improved my skiing skills and to be given the opportunity to do so is a dream come true. The whole team created a really fun environment and made it a great experience. The activities outside of skiing were so much fun and helped me to improve my confidence. Thank you Halsbury and ISSC.
For Rumai Cousins, the experience was about more than just skiing:
The experience really pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me to improve my own personal attributes and confront my confidence and lack of self-belief. I grew not only technically but personally too. I also was so lucky to be given the opportunity to learn more about the snow sports industry. I can’t thank you enough for giving this opportunity to us at Snow Camp.
It was a real pleasure for everyone involved in ISSC 2023 to welcome the Snow Camp athletes to the event.
We’re delighted that it was such a valuable experience for them and we hope that it’s inspired them to continue and develop their passion for snow sports. We hope to welcome more apprentices this December at ISSC 2024.
