If you dream of your child standing on an Olympic podium in the future, then getting them started in skiing as soon as possible is a great idea. Here are 5 development steps to get your kids into Team GB:

Preparation

If your child has shown an interest in skiing and you think they have what it takes to be a future Olympian, then the first step is to prepare for the journey.

• Start them young. The sooner you can get your kids on the slopes, the better. Skiing is a great activity for kids of all ages, but starting them young will give them a huge head start.
• Get them lessons. Lessons are essential for anyone wanting to learn to ski, and that includes kids. By enrolling them in lessons, they'll be able to learn the proper techniques and progress much faster.
• Get them the right gear. Skiing is an equipment-intensive sport, so making sure your kids have the right gear is crucial. In addition to skis, they'll need boots, poles, and clothing that will keep them warm and dry.
• Get them involved in a club. Ski clubs are a great way for kids to meet other skiers and make progress together. Clubs also give kids the opportunity to compete in races and other events, which can be a great motivator.

Join an Alpine Race Training Club

Once your child has some experience with alpine skiing, you may want to consider joining an Alpine Race Training club. These clubs provide expert coaching and training for kids who want to take their skiing to the next level. Alpine Race Training clubs typically offer programmes for kids of all ages and abilities, so you can find one that's a good fit for your child. Most clubs also require that kids be members of a ski club, so this is something to keep in mind when you're choosing a club.

Apply to the Alpine Pathway Programme

GB Snowsport and the Home Nations Snowsports Governing Bodies provide an Alpine Pathway programme for young skiers who show a lot of potential. The programme provides expert coaching, training, and support for kids as they progress through the ranks. It's a great way for kids to get involved with GB Snowsport and potentially progress to the national team. To be eligible for the programme, kids must be between the ages of 6 and 16 and show potential in alpine skiing.

Join the England Alpine Squad

The England Alpine Squad (or the Scotland or Wales equivalents) is designed to provide additional support for the country's top junior skiers. To be eligible for selection, skiers must meet certain criteria, such as having competed in certain races or events. The England Alpine Squad provides access to top-level coaching and training, as well as funding for travel and equipment. It is designed to give skiers the best possible chance of success at the highest levels of competition. There are programmes for under 16s, under 18s, and under 21s.

Final Stop - Team GB

If your child has followed all of these steps, then they'll be well on their way to becoming a member of Team GB. Of course, it's not an easy journey and there are no guarantees. But by getting started early and following the steps, you'll give your child the best possible chance of success. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be watching them ski to a gold medal at the Olympics!

Photo by Vytautas Dranginis on Unsplash