Over 150 girls from schools across the UK will descend upon Flaine, France on 30th & 31st January 2017 as they take part in two days of racing as part of the 58th British Schoolgirls’ Races.
The two-day event, which features students from over 35 schools, will welcome girls of all levels of ski racing – from those relatively new to racing, to some of Great Britain’s rising ski stars. Historically the British Schoolgirls’ Races has proved to be a breeding ground for young British talent, with Olympian Chemmy Alcott and Paralympic sight guide Charlotte Evans being previous competitors.
The event also plays a vital role in giving aspiring female racers the chance to be part of well-organised on snow races, which is important for growing confidence and giving the young racers valuable competitive experience.
The event is open to all UK schools and has racers from a range of age groups, including under 14s, under 16s and under 18s. All age groups compete in GS and Slalom races, and there is also the chance for schools to go head to head in Parallel Slalom – the most exciting race of the two days.
British Schoolgirls’ Races organiser Anne Taylor said ahead of the event: “We have had a bumper number of schools and students entering this year’s British Schoolgirls Races, which is testament of how much fun the event is and what a good chance it is for young ski racers to get some experience of racing on-snow. We are looking forward to returning to Flaine and we also owe a huge thank-you to all our partners and supporters who help make the event happen.”
With most athletes arriving in time for the training day and opening evening on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are full days of racing on the Calcite piste, with the final day culminating in the prize giving. As well as prizes for all races and age categories, there is also a bumper draw with prizes from all the British Schoolgirls’ Races sponsors.
For 2017, the British Schoolgirls’ Races will be supported by Silver partners Chel-Ski (www.chel-ski.uk), Basecamp (www.basecampgroup.com), Equity (www.schoolski.co.uk), JDX (www.jdxconsulting.com), Ski Club of Great Britain (www.skiclub.co.uk), UVEX www.uvex-safety.co.uk, (www.mindthegapyear.com), and MPI (www.mpibrokers.com).