National Schools Snowsport Week is back this month (24^th to 30^th June) at clubs and ski slopes across England, aiming to encourage children to try skiing and snowboarding.

National Schools Snowsport Week, organised by Snowsport England, is in its fourth year and is set to reach over 75 schools and 3,500 young people, making it the biggest yet.

Many dry and indoor slopes across the country will be running free or discounted taster sessions to give young people from all backgrounds the chance to take up snowsports.

Tim Fawke, CEO of Snowsport England, commented: “For many young people this will be their first time on skis or snowboards and for others it will be an opportunity to try a different snowsport discipline, for example freestyle, racing or ski/snowboard cross.

“We want to show that getting involved in snowsports is accessible for everyone, whatever their background, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to make new friends, learn new skills and improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“Snowsport England is committed to raising awareness of mental health through physical activity. We also recently launched our ‘Snow More Stigma’ mental health and wellbeing campaign to create awareness of mental health and wellbeing in snowsports.”

Snowsport England athlete ambassadors include Paralympic champions Menna Fitzpatrick MBE and Jen Kehoe MBE, who are backing the National Schools Snowsport Week and will be lending their support on the campaign launch day.

 Jen Kehoe said: “We are excited to be a part of National Schools Snowsport Week. It is so important for young people to get involved in physical activity and snowsports offer a great opportunity to have fun and challenge yourself.”

 Menna Fitzpatrick added: “I started skiing when I was five years old and now compete all over the world alongside Jen. It takes hard work, but we always have fun – I am really looking forward to inspiring the next generation of potential snowsport champions!”

Also backing the campaign is corporate sponsor Halsbury Ski, which specialises in organising ski trips to Europe, Canada and the USA for secondary schools all over the UK. The company aims to enhance education through international travel, particularly via physical activity such as snowsports.    

The National Schools Snowsport Week launch day will take place on 20^th June at Chill Factore in Manchester. Members of the press are invited to attend the launch day and will have the opportunity to take photos, interview Snowsport England’s athlete ambassadors and get further information on the campaign. Please contact emma@weareshootingstar.co.uk to register your interest.

To find out more about Snowsport England’s National Schools Snowsport Week visit the website or use the hashtag #NationalSchoolsSnowsportWeek or #NSSW. Follow Snowsport England on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.