THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS (ISSC) - A TIPTOP PERSPECTIVE

THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS (ISSC) -

A TIPTOP PERSPECTIVE

In 2019, the running of the ISSC was taken on by Halsbury Ski, from the previous running by Ticket To Ride. Retaining Impulse for training, helping to run the race and supplying race expertise with Chief of Champs, Phil Brown.

Taking on the local knowledge and expertise of Alex Armand, of Tip Top Coaching who is based in the home resort of the event, Les Deux Alpes. Having this local knowledge helped the organisation of the event immensely. Here, Alex gives her impression of her first taste of this event.

This great event is held each year during December in Les Deux Alpes. Giving everyone from seasoned competitors to first time ski racers a chance of competing in Slalom, Giant Slalom and a parallel (head to head) slalom. An event not to be missed by any school that has a ski racing team or is aspiring to have one in the future.

With up to 400 students taking part in these races across all age groups it’s a fantastic opportunity for schools to grow their ski teams and allow skiers to start racing. The better racers can act as an example or mentor to those starting out. It is a fun, friendly environment with everyone cheering each other on and admiring skill and encouraging spirit. With 3 days of training prior to the actual races and instructors with the students at all times on the mountain, teachers are free to concentrate on those children that need a little more help. Those that perhaps haven’t raced before and need a familiar, encouraging face in the start gate or on the finish line. The instructor will warm the children up and explain

the rules to them. Each instructor or coach will make sure every member of his or her group is ready to race at the appropriate time and fully understands the rules. During the first 3 days of training there are gates set up for all groups to practice in so race day isn’t a surprise. Students will work on technique in and out of the gates as well as how to choose the best racing line for their ability and how to start and finish the race. Those that have raced before can improve during these 3 excellent days and those that are newer to the game can learn and improve. It really is a great motivational experience with everyone helping and encouraging each other.

Les Deux Alpes is the perfect place to hold this competition. With a stade at village level, at 2400m and of course on the glacier at 3400m. This allows for all eventualities with regard to snow cover and weather conditions. This was proven during the 2019 races when lots of different stades (race courses) were used to accommodate lots of different weather conditions. The local support from the ESF, Ski Patrol and the lift company were second to none. This was co-ordinated by Alex Armand and Phil Brown, and allowed the work to be done behind the scenes and the racers to concentrate on improving and taking part in the races. When race day arrives the students are all allocated a bib number. This is done in a random draw and individual to the age categories. They race in number order so its very easy to know when each student needs to be at the top of the course. The course director, Phil Brown of Impulse works very closely with ESF to ensure the course is set correctly and is safe for all involved. ESF look after the timing and we have gate judges to ensure all the rules are adhered too, just as you would expect in a ski race. The times are announced as the racers arrive at the bottom and as soon as the race is finished the final results are put online for everyone to see. This is an excellent extra for parents and grandparents that can’t make it to the races to be kept up-to-date with how their children or grandchildren are getting on.

There are 4 different ski schools involved in the teaching and Alex from TipTop Ski Coaching co- ordinating the instructors. This year we had staggered start times and finish times so that the instructors took their allocated group and also handed back their allocated group to a teacher or allocated member of Halsbury staff. Each school has a Halsbury Representative attached to them to help with pick up and drop off as well as the all important evening entertainments program. A very slick operation with someone there at all times to help!

There is also an evening entertainment program with a whole host of activities to choose from. We have a cinema in Les Deux Alpes and bowling which are always popular choices. The donut jump is always a favourite and various other sledging and outdoor games etc. are organised by Halsbury. We also offer an educational side to the evening program with the possibility to go to a “becoming a ski instructor” work group and “working a ski season” talk. These talks are what have been asked for in the past but any new suggestions are always welcome!

The icing on the cake is for your GCSE students who can complete the skiing practical sessions during the course of the event. What an amazing service to be able to offer and a big plus for all GCSE students.

The organisation and presence of Alex Armand in resort helps the whole event run smoothly. She is in resort full time so puts everything in place well before you arrive. This link to someone who knows everyone and already works with the resort allows for things to run smoothly even in the face of adversity such as bad weather! A smooth liaison with all the local agencies in resort is the key to a seamless event. This obviously could not be done without the immaculate organisation and attention to detail of the race by Phil and his team from Impulse.