Central England Snowsports Association supports opportunities for schools and youth groups to become involved in skiing and competitive snowsports. School racing provides young skiers with a route from local and regional competitions through to national championships and, for selected participants, international events.
A number of school races take place throughout the year across the Central England region. These include English Schools Ski Association competitions as well as local events organised by regional clubs and ski centres.
ESSkiA Races
The English Schools Ski Association, commonly known as ESSkiA, runs regional qualifying races each September. Successful school teams can progress from these events to the National Schools Championships, which normally take place in October.
Strong performances at the national finals can provide further opportunities for young skiers. School teams may be selected to represent England at the British Schools Championships, while individual competitors taking part for their schools can also be considered for ESSkiA training squads.
Selected squad members have opportunities to attend training sessions abroad, including programmes in Austria and Norway. From these squads, individual skiers can be selected to represent England at the ISF World School Championships, which are held every two years.
Regional and Area School Races
Alongside the ESSkiA competition programme, several regional and area school ski races take place during other parts of the year. These events give young skiers additional opportunities to compete locally, represent their schools and develop race experience.
The Birmingham and South Midlands Schools race is normally held in March at Ackers Adventure in Birmingham. Midland Ski Club organises the event, bringing together school competitors from across the surrounding region.
The Telford Schools race generally takes place in November at Telford Ski Centre. It provides another local competition opportunity for school teams and individual young skiers.
CESA Regional Schools Race
The CESA Regional Schools Race forms part of the local school racing calendar and is normally held at Stoke Ski Centre. Current dates and event information can be found through the CESA events section when races are scheduled. The regional competition covers schools from:
- Derbyshire
- Hereford
- Leicestershire
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands
- Worcestershire
These races provide a structured competitive environment where school-age skiers can gain experience, develop their technique and become involved in the wider regional snowsports community.
A Route Through School Ski Racing
Local and regional school competitions can form the first stage of a broader competitive pathway. Young skiers can begin by representing their school at area events before progressing to regional qualifiers, national championships and higher-level representative competitions.
Participation also gives schools an opportunity to encourage involvement in snowsports and introduce pupils to competitive skiing. Through CESA, local clubs, ski centres and organisations such as ESSkiA, young participants can access a range of events and development opportunities throughout the year.