Competitions

In many ways this is what Varsity Trip is all about: Oxford versus Cambridge battling out on a giant slalom and slalom course to settle once and for all which University dominates the slopes… for another year at least! Older than the Winter Olympics, these races have taken place since 1922 and are open to any member of either University. Last year saw the Cambridge triumph in the women’s 1st competition whilst the Dark Blues celebrated victory in the mens’ teams and women's 2nds and 3rds. This year it’s all up for grabs again.

To enter this race it may be useful for you to come out early on the First Lift package and get in some race training. This will leave you well placed for the time trials on Monday morning at 9am, for which you should meet at the Stade. You’ll need to sign up for these time trials on Saturday evening at VTHQ to guarantee yourself a place. The results of the time trials will be posted up at VTHQ before the day is out, and if you’re lucky enough to qualify the blues races will then take place on the Tuesday, for which you’ll be eligible for a half blue. These will be in the form of a Giant Slalom beginning at 9am and a Slalom at 3pm. Results in both will be recorded to calculate the winning university. You may wish to get in contact with the Oxford University Ski and Snowboard Club or the Cambridge University Ski and Snowboard Club for some indoor training during this term.

Spectators are treated to a fantastic view of the entire course from the bottom of the Stade, especially as the light fades and it becomes floodlit. Come along to watch an epic battle take place, and who knows, there may well be some freebies on offer…

If you don’t think you’re quite cut out to represent your university, why not your college instead? The College Cuppers competitions plays host to a wide range of abilities, and a parallel slalom adds to the excitement as you race side-by-side with your adversaries.

The Cuppers competition will take place on Wednesday afternoon, beginning at 1pm at the Stade and with the finals over by 7pm. Sign up by Monday in teams of four – obviously with all racers from the same college – to take part. As with the blues races, you’ll require full wintersports insurance to participate in any races.

Come along and support your friends at the base of the Stade. Again, there may well be freebies on offer and you’ve got the live night to follow, where you can celebrate your victories, or drown your sorrows.

Open only to beginners, sign up by midday Thursday to take part in a great way to end your first week of skiing. Slips and falls are guaranteed, and if you’re a beginner in need of a confidence boost be rest assured that it is here that you’ll find someone worse than yourself!

Meet for the competition at 12.45 at the 2 Lacs chair lift to be taken up to your course. Please be aware that this may change depending upon snow conditions, however, and this information could be updated.