The highlight of the week was the launch event which was held at the UK’s longest indoor ski slope, Chill Factore. The event saw 30 primary school children take to the slopes for the first time!
The event was attended by a number of inspirational snowsports athletes, including Britain’s most decorated Winter Paralympians, Menna Fitzpatrick and Jen Kehoe.
We also met former alpine skier, ski cross racer and now ski racing podcast host, Ed Drake.
However, we were particularly inspired by 17-year-old Daisi Daniels – one of Team GB’s Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics hopefuls.
At the age of six, Daisi was scouted after entering a radio competition and winning a lift pass for the newly opened Chill Factore indoor snow centre.
She now spends every winter training in the USA and has represented England and Great Britain in many youth ski racing competitions. What’s perhaps most impressive is that she balances all this alongside her school studies! We spoke to her to find out more:
When did you first try snowsports?
I first tried skiing when I was three or four on a family holiday to Austria. I actually didn’t like skiing at the very beginning!
However, when my parents came back to pick me up at the end of the first day, I refused to take my skis off and had to be chased down the mountain by my instructor!
Can you tell us a bit about your career so far?
In terms of results, my greatest achievement would have to be becoming U18 British National Champion 2019 or coming second in the giant slalom at Great Britain’s Children’s International Race in Andorra in 2018.
But the moment I’m most proud of is representing Great Britain at the European Youth Olympics Festival earlier this year.
What is your favourite ski resort?
My favourite place to train is Reiteralm in Austria. The resort has a wide range of slopes for all abilities. And many World Cup skiers also train here which helps me to push my training limits.
But, most of all, the food is amazing – I used to be able to walk in and the chef knew my order!
My favourite place to race is Bormio, Italy as the sun is always shining, and there’s just a great atmosphere, as well as all types of terrain.
Do you have any advice for children who would like to compete in snowsports?
My advice for children who would like to compete in snowsports would be just to push through the tough times, believe in yourself and be willing to make sacrifices to achieve your dreams.
Go the extra mile and work that little bit longer because when you give up or finish early, somebody else is out there working harder than you and pushing that little bit further.
You have to work harder than those you wish to beat!
Any tips for keeping fit over the summer months?
Keeping fit over summer is something you can do no matter where you are. There are no excuses!
My advice is to do workouts whenever you can, make the most of the sunny weather and getting active outdoors. You could even join a new sports team.
Any tips for keeping warm in cold conditions?
In cold conditions, my heated socks are my go-to.
And doing warm-up exercises between training runs such as arm swings, leg swings and sprints also helps to keep you warm!
Which other snowsports athletes inspire you?
Chemmy Alcott particularly inspires me because, despite many injuries, she became Britain's best-ever female skier.
Even when she got injured, she fought so hard to get back up and come back stronger every time which I just think is so amazing and motivating.
Do you have a favourite après-ski activity?
After training hard, relaxing is probably my favourite après-ski activity!
But I do love a good hot chocolate followed by sliding down the snow on my bum!
What has being involved in snowsports from a young age taught you?
Being involved in snowsports from a young age has taught me that with hard work you can achieve anything. It has also given me the opportunity to meet so many different people and learn new languages.
One big thing it has taught me is that what you see as a setback at the time can actually turn out to be something good!
I love this quote from one of my coaches: 'You are like a glow stick – you have to break before you can shine'.
What skills can children develop through getting involved in snowsports?
Snowsports can help children develop skills such as balance, independence, communication and listening skills, all of which can be carried throughout their lives.
If I could only give one tip it would be to never give up, no matter the pain, sacrifices or doubt from others around you that stands in your way. That’s something skiing has taught me.
Inspired by Daisi?
Start planning your next school ski trip now to inspire the next generations of skiers!
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information.