Out in Forces on the Slopes

For the sixth year running, Meribel is playing host to members of the British Armed Forces for the annual Inter Services Snow Sports Championships.

The Championships bring together members of the RAF, Royal Navy and Army – many of whom are on R&R leave – to compete in a range of different snow sports on the same course that will be used for the 2015 World Skiing Championships.

This year, the event will see over 180 British Forces athletes compete alongside members of the British Development Squad and the Australian Defence Force. It is the biggest year to date for the Forces’ Disabled Ski team. The record number of competitors will all be preparing for the 2014 Winter Paralympics.

On Sunday, the event’s opening ceremony featured a torchlight procession by members of ESF (L'Ecole du Ski Français) and a declaration of the event’s opening by the Mayor of Meribel.

The events kicked off on Monday with the Boardercross and Telemark Giant Slalom as well as training runs for the Downhill skiers.

Yesterday, however, due to heavy snowfall and the piste being deemed unsafe, the downhill skiers’ training runs were used as the competition runs. The Army took both the men’s and women’s titles.

If the weather clears up, today should see several more events take place, including the Alpine Super G (Super Giant Slalom).

The Championships run until Friday, 3rd February 2012.