Athlete Development Programme 2026-2027 - Ski Race

Athlete Development Programme Ski Race

Introduction We are thrilled to introduce the Beau Soleil Athlete Development We truly believe that the Beau Soleil Athlete Development ProProgramme as a fantastic opportunity to cultivate and enhance gramme is an exceptional structure to fostering young athletes’ the skills of our passionate young skiers, coming from various growth into balanced individuals to excel in diverse range of skills, knowledge, and experiences. They will learn how to deal with backgrounds and experience.

This programme has been designed to offer a unique focus on stressful situations, manage their time efficiently, interact effectheir passion, providing specialized training sessions, resources tively with others, and contribute positively to their community. and competitions tailored to their needs. The students will be supported by a highly qualified group of staff that will inspire the students and support them to reach their goals through improving their technical skills, line choice & race tactics, alongside the soft skills important for life beyond Beau Soleil.

A competition calendar has been designed to motivate, challenge, and inspire our students in some of the more stunning resorts in the Swiss Alps. They will have the opportunity to compete against other schools in both the SGIS and MLS leagues, earning points for the overall school title as well as vying for individual results. One of the highlights of the season is the World Schools Ski Racing Championships which offers the opportunity to race 3 events, including speed and parallel slalom in Verbier.

Sega Fairweather Expeditions and Winter Sports Specialist

Facilities The Beau Soleil ski team are fortunate to be able to use some of the best training pistes locally that are cordoned off for the sole use of students in the Athlete Development Programme.

Pre-season, the ski team trains both slalom and Giant Slalom in Zinal, we then move to the Stade in Villars for the winter term.

When conditions allow, the students will develop their backcountry and variables skills using the whole mountain to supplement their ski race journey.

Training structure The athlete development programme is designed to incorporate two sessions of ski training per week in the winter term, with four sessions planned in November and early December in Zinal.

Students will be requested to show full commitment with punctuality and adequate equipment.

This structure ensures a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for students, promoting skill development and a deep appreciation for skiing and the alpine environment.

The main objectives are the following: • Personalised Technical Development: Teach fundamental skiing skills from stance through to carving.

• Tactical understanding: As technique develops, possible line choice can change and can be adapted to maintain as much speed as possible.

• Psychological resilience: Develop strategies for performing under pressure, and how to manage own performance in a sport with many variables.

• Develop soft life skills: The ski racing programme offers daily opportunities to encourage progression of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, time-management, communication, accountability and teamwork.

• Etiquette and Rules: Instil an appreciation of the mountain environment and its other users. Understand the rules of alpine ski racing for all 3 events, to maximise opportunities for results.

• Enjoyment and Passion: Foster a lifelong appreciation and passion for alpine skiing.

Staff The Ski Athlete Development Programme is run by Head Coach Sega Fairweather who is an ex-National Team athlete, ex-National Team Coach & current BASI Examiner, holding the highest ski instructing qualifications in the British, Swiss & French systems.

The coaching team includes Eliott Gates, who recently accompanied an athlete to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, previously coached the Chinese National Olympic Development Team, and is current head coach of the Royal Signals Alpine Ski Team and holds Swiss Patent Instructing qualification.

Supporting coaches include Alessandro Cambon, current BASI Examiner, holding the highest ski instructing qualifications in the Italian, Swiss & French systems; and Stephen O’Hara who is a ex-National Team athlete, ex-National Team Coach, IASI Level 4 instructor (Full CERT) and coach of the Beau Soleil Ski Team for 9 years.

Competition Schedule 2027 15 January GS

SGIS

Crans Montana

21 – 24 January

SL, GS, SG, Parallel

World Schools Ski Racing

Verbier

28 January GS

SGIS Seniors (G10-12)

Villars-sur-Ollon

5 February

GS

SGIS

Les Diablerets

8 February

GS

SGIS

Verbier

1 March

SL. Parallel

BS Special Slalom

Villars-sur-Ollon (Beau Soleil Hosting)

2 March

GS

ADISR (G6-9)

Saanen - Gstaad

7 – 9 March

SL, GS,Parallel

Aiglon Cup

Villars-sur-Ollon

Pre-season Training Camps: Landgraaf Save the dates – Ski Team training camp in Landgraaf, Holland - October 11th to 14th!

Our ski team is heading to a three-day pre-season ski racing camp at the indoor ski slope in Landgraaf, Holland. We’ll focus on improving slalom through piste performance and honing technical skills, both inside and outside the race gates, to prepare for the upcoming season. Off the slopes, we’ll host evening work shops where you’ll master ski preparation, ensuring everyone can fine-tune their equipment for race day success. There will also be fun activities beyond the training program, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy Holland.

Canada Cup Save the dates – Ski Team training camp in Jasper, Canada - December 10th to 18th!

Our ski team is heading to Marmot Basin, Canada where we will shift the focus to longer course sets with more race-style courses. 5 hours skiing a day will help build endurance ready for the winter, with the week culminating in the Canada Cup races against 15 International Schools. Off the slopes, a range of après-ski activities will provide students with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships with peers from around the world in an engaging international environment.

Equipment Students enrolled in the Ski Team and Athlete Development Programme are required to purchase and wear the school’s official branded race uniform. At a minimum, this includes a race suit, training shorts, and a training jacket, which must be worn during tournaments and training sessions.

A pool of forearm guards, shin guards, and pole guards will be provided on loan for the duration of the season, as appropriate to the athlete’s level of development.

Race team members must have race skis, which can be rented locally in Villars or brought from home. For returning or more experienced athletes, it is recommended to rent a second pair of race skis (Giant Slalom) to ensure preparedness for multiple disciplines. The coaching team will provide guidance to help students select skis that are suitable for their ability and training needs.

Use of technology in training and competition As a sport with many variables, we use a lot of video analysis and photographic evidence while training, and can use the Brower Timing system to run race simulations. We can set this up for entire courses, or even just the start gate to 2nd gate to specifically improve start technique. We have access to Carv technology, which provides real time feedback of rotation and pressure within the boot that can be analysed with the coaches to improve technique.

Grade 11 & 12 Specific We are thrilled to announce a Grade 11 & 12 specific programme for students wishing to continue ski racing without too much impact on their IB journey.

We will ask that students commit to three races, which are all based in Villars-sur-Ollon, and three Sunday training sessions throughout the season. This will minimise their time out of school to three days, and as it is our home resort, will not impact on their sleep and rest schedule.

As all of these athletes already have ski uniform and magic pass, Beau Soleil will cover the remaining race specific and training costs so that the programme can run without further contributions.

This programme will support the IB students to continue to develop soft skills, to take time out of their study schedule to get fresh air and clarity, and they can continue to enjoy and appreciate the mountain environment that they live in.

Ms Sega Fairweather will work closely with the students to develop a personalised programme for each individual and their needs.

For more information please contact Ms Fairweather sega.fairweather@beausoleil.ch