Young athletes emerge as Britain’s future skiers and snowboarders
The prospects for British skiers and snowboarders are steadily growing as two young people have recently distinguished themselves in the sport and now have set their sights on international glory.
Nicole Haines, from Leigh near Wigan, has emerged as one of the top junior freestyle snowboarders in the country. Haines only started actively taking up the sport three years ago.
At the young age of 11, Haines was recently selected for the national Park and Pipe Academy squad. The squad is part of Snowsport England and offers a pathway for athletes hoping to represent Team GB in the Winter Olympics.
As part of the squad, Haines has been asked to go to Austria with the squad in late September to compete at international level.
“Competing in the Olympics is her dream and I want to help her reach her goals,” Nicole’s mother Rachael added in talking with local media. “She instantly became hooked on snowboarding. It is not easy but she is incredible.”
In a separate success story, another Nicole has gained recognition in the skiing world after learning her skills on the dry slopes of Dorset. Nicole Shering was recently named a Snowsport England dry slope ambassador in recognition for her skiing ability and potential. Shering, 16, trains at Snowtrax in Hurn. As part of the programme, she will represent Snowsport England at a variety of events at artificial slopes across the country.
The Snowsport England Ambassadors programme was launched earlier this year to spur on interest in skiing by young people in England. Shering is one of 18 athletes who will serve as ambassadors.
“I am really pleased to become a Snowsport England dry slope ambassador,” Sharing said in an interview. “I started skiing aged five at Snowtrax and developed my racing skills there. It will be great to inspire younger skiers to start skiing and racing.”
The growing popularity of dry slope skiing is perfect for families planning a luxury ski holiday in France. The practice and skills that can be developed in Britain will only help raise the experience one will have when getting out on the pistes of Meribel or La Rosiere.
Image Credit: Henry Burrows. (flickr.com)