Cranleigh ski success

Cranleigh Ski Team has quickly become a force to be reckoned with on the school ski circuit with a huge haul of medals and trophies at the ISSC (Independent Schools Ski Championships). This was the third time the team have competed at the event, and for the first time gained podium finishes in all competitions.

The event was held in Les Deux Alpes, France during the first week of the Christmas holiday. 48 pupils, 32 from Cranleigh Senior and 16 from Cranleigh Prep, competed in Giant Slalom, Slalom and Team Duel slalom against 20 other schools.

On the first day the wind hindered progress as 70mph winds caused all of the chair lifts to close. Some braved the wind and got a few runs on the lower button lifts but no one could train for the events. There were similar conditions on the second morning until lunch when the wind died down, a single lift was opened to enable the boys slalom to take place. Ben A-B put in a blisteringly quick time and led the pack from a low bib number. A great start to the championship. The next day saw a break in the weather and the girls GS competitions, Rose and Lottie skied very well both gaining podium places. The team then pulled together and all members started to ski out of their skin, most putting in personal bests and some gaining top ten places.

On the final day of the trip the blue ribbon event took place, the team dual slalom. Schools pick their best six skiers to race head to head in a knock out competition. Cranleigh team was picked by the team captains, with a huge diversity of ages ranging from Ed F from the Prep School to Hugo N in the Upper Sixth. They were faultless in their technique and never panicked when under pressure, as they progressed through the knockout phases their confidence grew and by the semi final they were looking hot favourites to win the title. Only the Sixth Form team from Whitgift looked anywhere near as quick, and as there best skier fell on the last leg of the semi final, it looked like Cranleigh were into the final against a very strong Albyn team. The team pulled out an absolutely faultless performance and won by a comfortable margin in the final!

A comprehensive list of the Trophies and Awards:

- Champions Parallel Slalom (Hugo N, Tash C, Ed F (CPS), Rose J, Lottie S and Ben A-B)

- Overall Senior Team – Runner up

- Senior Boys GS Team – Runner up

- Senior Boys Slalom Team – Runner Up

- Senior Girls GS Team – 3rd

- Senior Girls Slalom Team – 3rd

Individual Awards:

Gold Medal

- Ben A-B – U16 Slalom

- Ben A-B – U16 GS

Silver Medal

- Louis M – U21 GS

- Lottie S – U16 Slalom

- Rose J – U16 GS

Bronze Medal

- Rose J – U16 GS

- Lottie S – U16 Slalom