Where to Ski And Snowboard - New team of fridge kids for Dubai

New team of fridge kids for Dubai

4th May 2017, by Abi Butcher

Ski Dubai is to sponsor 17 young skiers and snowboarders. Pic: Ski Dubai

Dubai has its first ever snowsports team of skiers and snowboarders who will be coached by British skiers and compete internationally. The team is being sponsored by Ski Dubai, the country’s enormous indoor snow dome in the Mall of the Emirates.

The 17 Alpine and freestyle skiers and snowboarders have yet to be named, but in an announcement on Sunday, Ski Dubai said: “[the] talented youngsters, all of which were scouted on Ski Dubai’s slopes, consists of Emirati and expatriate male and female athletes of varying ages, including Alpine skiers, snowboarders, and freestyle skiers.”

Mike Barker, who spent five years coaching the British Children’s team, through two Winter Olympic Festivals (Children’s Olympic Games), will coach the Alpine skiers and the whole project is being headed up by Chris David, Snowsports Operations Manager at Ski Dubai. Chris is head Freestyle Moguls Ski Coach for Great Britain, a role he will continue alongside his existing role at Ski Dubai.

Ski Dubai says there has been an extensive selection process which began at the dome’s freestyle and competition nights and ski and snowboard schools, includes results from domestic and international competitions and feedback from previous and existing coaches.

All sponsored skiers and snowboarders will receive a Ski Dubai membership, coaching sessions and equipment and sportswear from brands including Spyder, Rossignol and Burton.

Commenting on the launch, Mohammed El Etri, general manager at Ski Dubai said: “We are extremely proud to be announcing the formation of Ski Dubai’s Sponsored Athletes Team. At Ski Dubai, we are committed to supporting the UAE’s efforts for encouraging active lifestyles and I am personally proud to have been a part of cultivating and championing such strong local talent on our slopes.”