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James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
The next week I went along to my first YUsnow social, and was greeted by a large group of friendly people, along with a few drinks and games I had a great time. This convinced me to go to the other socials where there is always a fancy dress theme, jägerbombs, and lots of banter.
It wasn’t until November that I started coming along to race training, where despite having no previous competitive experience and joining late, I was welcomed into the team. My skiing technique improved dramatically and I was having a great time.
In February 2010 I got my first chance to compete for the university at the British Universities Indoor Snowsports Championships at Castleford, where I would be racing with the second team in the northern heats. Unfortunately it was a straight knock out format and our first race was against Newcastle firsts, one of the best teams on the university circuit. Unsurprisingly my first experience of racing for the university was over quite quickly, but despite that I was hooked.
In March I went on my first YUsnow easter trip, it was a manic week of first lift to last orders (getting up for the first lift of the day to catch the best snow then staying out until last orders). The highlight of the week being the mountain meal, where a large room of YUsnowers were wined and dined (mainly wined) and a massive party followed.
After this I was lucky enough to go to l’Alpe d’Huez to race in the British Universities Alpine Championships, unfortunately I didn’t get past the qualifier round, but I still had a great week chatting and drinking with snowlovers from other universities.
As a result of a couple of people graduating at the end of my first year I was able to get a place in the first team for the start of my second year, since then I haven’t looked back. In my second year I raced for the university in three different national championships on dry slope, indoor snow and real snow, as well as beating Lancaster at roses. This included many more socials and another epic holiday, this time to Les Arcs. My personal results have been nothing to brag about but that’s not the point, I’ve had a great time skiing with YUsnow and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Skiing (or snowboarding) is a great way to keep fit, have a laugh and meet some new friends. With discounted lesson deals at home and abroad university is the cheapest place to learn to ski or snowboard.
For those who can already ski or snowboard racing is a great way to improve your technique and have a bit of a laugh. You don’t have to have any previous experience of racing, but just be willing to give it a go.
Or if you don’t fancy racing you can always come along to one of the freestyle sessions. With a wide range of abilities freestyle is suitable for beginners and pros alike, you’ll be pulling steezy tricks in no time.
For more info about YUsnow check out yusnow.co.uk or email snow@yusu.org, or visit the club at the freshers fayre
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