Police Sport UK Snowsports Section

This is a quick guide to the PSUK Snowsport annual championships intended for any new members or constabularies considering taking part.

A brief history

The Annual Snowsport championships take place in Hinterglemm, Austria usually in the third week of January each year. The next championships will take place 21^st – 28^th January 2012.

The Snowsport championships are the only PSUK event which is held outside of the UK. This has been the case since 1999 when it was decided to move the championships to Europe due to the continuous lack of snow in Scotland.

The first 3 championships were held in France before finally moving to Hinterglemm in Austria in 2003. The Austrians have welcomed the Police with open arms and despite looking at various options to move the vast majority of members and competitors vote to return to Saalbach Hinterglemm each year. Great relations have been nurtured with the hotels, bars, ski school and tourist office in Hinterglemm which results in a great service for all competitors and a trouble free, efficient event.

The resort

Saalbach Hinterglemm is an up and coming cosmopolitan resort about 1 hr from Salzburg. The recent addition of a number of lifts has resulted in an almost limitless amount of tree lined skiing. The snowmaking facilities in the resort are second to none and they claim to be able to make enough snow to cover the mountain if none arrives naturally. In the 9 years the championships have been held in the resort I can honestly say we have never lost a days skiing due to lack of snow. This year there was almost a metre of snow whilst we were in the resort and some of the early morning skiing was simply breath taking.

The Austrians are famous for their après ski and Hinterglemm is no different. From 3 pm the skiing stops and the après ski starts and often doesn’t stop until the next morning. The police are welcomed in all the bars and most restaurants and bars give a discount.

The flood light skiing until 9.30 pm is extensive and very impressive. So if you haven’t had enough in the day there’s plenty of opportunity in the evening.

One of the great advantages of Austria is the prices. The cost of food and drink is very reasonable and you certainly don’t feel like you’ve been robbed every time you go out for dinner.

What events take place?

The championships incorporate three Snowsport disciplines. There are three alpine events, the giant slalom, the slalom and the team giant slalom. The courses used are set and prepared by the Austrians to be challenging without being ridiculously difficult. They know the standard of the skiers and make sure the courses are appropriate.

The snowboarders have a Giant slalom, and dual slalom and a border X.  Again the courses are prepared to a high standard and are achievable for all standards.

The Nordic cross country skiing is a little more limited but two events are held.  A team relay over 12Km with three team members doing 4 km each in the classic style. An individual event over 8Km for men and 4Km for women with a mass start again in the classic style.  All Nordic equipment can be hired in the resort and there are plenty of experts more than willing to give advice and training to anyone wishing to have a go for the first time.

Am I good enough to enter?

The top few competitors in all the disciplines are extremely good and have in the past represented regions and countries. The rest however vary in ability from good to novice. The ethos of the event is not only to hold competitive championships but to encourage everyone to have a go. This can be achieved in the same race and often is. This year in the giant slalom the fastest competitor was Becky lane who finished the run in a little over a minute. The slowest racer took nearly 6 minutes after only a few days skiing.

Over the year’s competitors who started as novices are now in the top 20-30 racers. It’s this improvement that the championship encourages and embraces.

For those not ready for the full race there is a more informal beginners and novice race organised by the Metropolitan Police. This year it was held on the floodlit piste and made a very impressive sight.

How much does it cost?

The event is organised by IXXALP who are a small company operating in Hinterglemm. The prices vary depending on the type of accommodation required. The full list of prices will be posted on the website hopefully well before the summer.

By way of an example.

• 7 days in a 3* hotel, half board (Breakfast and evening meal) including a 6 day lift pass will be in the region of 730 Euros.
• Transfers from the airport to the resort are approx 70 Euros return
• Flights to Salzburg vary but are usually in the region to £120 if booked well in advance.
• Insurance is a must and can be provided by IXALP for 70 Euros. This is expensive but very good. An English equivalent can be obtained for approx £30. Remember it must cover ski racing.
• Entry to the races will cost £80 per person which entitles the person to enter as many races as they like. £15 of this entry fee will be refunded via IXXALP if an accommodation package is booked through them.

Is there funding and time off available?

Different constabularies get different levels of funding. It all depends on individual constabularies attitude to sport. In the past some have funded their teams fully to the tune of about £1000 per person and 4 or 5 days off where others have got nothing at all. The majority however get something in the middle. There is no standard format for applying for funds and sports leave as each constabulary has different rules and guidance but your area rep will give you advice on perhaps the best way to approach your sports clubs.

How do I book?

Look on our website www.policesnowports.org.uk where entry forms will be available from April. IXXALP will also be putting there package prices on the website as soon as possible and the relevant details of how to book.

IXXALP can be contacted direct on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it where Hansi will be glad to deal with any queries. If you tell him your budget and general requirements he will get the best deal for you. Hansi speaks and writes excellent English so that shouldn’t be a problem.

If you have any questions or problems with the booking please don’t hesitate to contact the area rep or myself, the secretary.  The last thing we want is someone to be put of by an unfamiliar system.

Do I have to compete and can I bring guests

No and Yes. There is no obligation to take part in the races, you can just use the week as a holiday in a great resort with 200-300 like minded people but I would encourage everyone to have a go at the racing. You will get a great sense of achievement and let’s be honest where else can you have a go at ski racing without being an expert.

Guests are more than welcome. Many of the 20-30 constabularies who enter the championships bring guests with them.

I have some questions who shall I ask

I have listed all the area reps and the areas they cover HERE. Please do not hesitate to contact them with any questions. Alternatively please contact myself the secretary and I will always be willing to help.  (Note that you must register for a website account to access these details.)

Finally

If you like skiing, get a few colleagues together and come along to the championships you wont regret it. Most people who come along continue to attend year after year and look forward to a great week of skiing and socialising.