The English Indoor Slopestyle Championships are set to land at Chill Factore in June as the nation’s top young talent descends on Manchester.
The event on Saturday June 6, organised by national governing body Snowsport England, will see both skiers and snowboarders compete across categories from Under-12 to Under-20, along with an ‘open’ section for adults.
The contest, held on an expertly designed downhill course, will be open to all abilities, with the minimum requirement being the ability to clear jumps and ride rails.
Ian Findlay, Talent Development Officer for Snowsport England, said: “Slopestyle is a growing sport and we have seen some great success for GB and England riders in recent years.
“Events like this help take the sport to the next level and reach more people by making the sport accessible to those at grass roots level as well as the seasoned riders.”
This is the third year of the Championships, and each event has attracted over a hundred riders from all levels of the sport.
Along with many newcomers, the contest is expected to host several of Snowsport England’s top freestylers out to impress the judges.
Asked about the growing appeal of slopestyle, Mr Findlay said: “It offers a chance to be creative and really have fun with it. There is so much scope for creativity and variation, and for people watching, it is always exciting to see people pushing themselves to the limit.
“This competition can provide that step onto the ladder for people looking to start out.”
Sunday June 7 will see a ‘Talent ID’ day, where competent skiers and snowboarders will have the chance to ride all day for £35 in front of a team of experienced coaches.
This will offer budding freestylers the opportunity to learn how to get started on parks and pipes, and maybe even impress some of the sport’s leading figures.
There will be varying levels of difficulty included within the course’s features, catering to a range of abilities.
Mr Findlay said: “I would encourage people who can already ski and snowboard to come down and try it out. You will have a chance to get some practice on the course beforehand.
“For those who aren’t yet confident enough to do so, it would be worthwhile to come and watch the riders in action, and we will be around to answer any questions you may have about the sport.”
Entry for the English Indoor Slopestyle Championships is now open online and costs £35 with a £10 bib deposit. Riders who are not registered with a Home Nation (Snowsport England/Snowsport Scotland/Snowsport Wales) or a member of an affiliated club can pay an extra £5 on the day to compete. To enter: https://secure.jotformpro.com/form/31575745766972
To book onto the Snowsport England Talent ID day, registration details are here https://secure.jotformpro.com/form/41543933225957 or contact Ian Findlay from Snowsport England:[email protected]
Image courtesy of Brandon Griffiths, with thanks.