Competitions
Never raced before? Don’t worry university snowsports is focused on enjoyment as much as competition; we get everyone involved as much as possible including the spectators! The majority of our racers have never competed before university, so come along and give it a try!
Many of our events are team based (dual slalom) so there’s a lot less pressure. Our most relaxed competition is the Kings league which combines après and racing for a guaranteed good time. For the more serious competitors, we participate in BUCS events on dryslope (BUDS), indoor snow (BUISC) and in the mountains (main event). Our competitions often include a weekend of partying and skiing with other universities from all over the country!
Please approach any of our committee members, racers, or core members for more information about our racing and competition opportunities, we’re all happy to help out and answer any questions throughout the year!
Kings Ski Club Western League
Ever seen a penguin racing a Christmas tree around some plastic poles? Well, you obviously haven’t experienced Kings! These competitions (many of which require fancy dress) are open to racers of any ability, and while some take them pretty seriously, as long as you enjoy skiing/boarding and get stuck in, these events are the most fun you’ll have all year.
Kings is a team event with four rounds throughout the year leading up to Kings finals. Teams of five racers take turns to manoeuvre their way around a course of 10-14 gates as fast as possible. Two teams race head to head; when the first racer reaches the bottom a flag is waved and the next sets off. First team through the finish wins!
Kings isn’t just for the racers, après begins before we even get to the slope. Come along for the good vibes and who knows, you may even end up racing!
Bath Snowsports is hoping to keep fuelling four mixed ski teams, a board team and two girls team this year, with the goal of making it to the FINALS again!
BUDS
The British University Dryslope Championships (BUDS) is the first BUCS event of the year and the first opportunity for our freestylers to show off their skills! BUDS is typically held over a long weekend in November, however firm dates are TBC for the 22/23 season.
This event gives our more serious and capable competitors the opportunity to compete for BUCS points in a range of snowsports events including slalom, giant slalom, dual slalom, board/ski cross, slopestyle, big air, rail jam, etc…
BUDS is not exclusive to competitors; there are plenty of events and activities throughout the weekend to encompass our spectators and recreational skiers!
If you are interested in competing in BUDS please let our race captain, Charlie, know so he can keep you updated regarding the event!
BUISC/Dome Series
If you love to compete but hate dryslope this is the event for you. The British Universities Indoor Snowsports Championships (BUISC) is a BUCS event taking place in UK snowdomes which includes slopestyle, team dual slalom and individual ski and board racing.
This year, we’re looking to take two teams to the Southern qualifiers, in the hopes of making it to the BUISC finals again. Those who wish to compete individually are also encouraged to attend!
This event typically takes place in second semester however details for 22/23 are yet to be announced so keep an eye out on our Facebook page for updates!
BUCS - Main Event
Main event is your chance to get back on real snow! Previously hosted during the easter holidays at European ski resorts including Les Deux Alpes, this event has everything. You can take part in board cross, big air, slopestyle, slalom, giant slalom, dual slalom, and even more. Once the competitions are over the après begins!
Main event 22/23 is yet to be announced so keep an eye on our facebook page for updates!
World University Games
The World University Games are staged every two years in a different city as a celebration of global university multi-sport competition. This is a highly prestigious and elite competition which includes 11 days of competition, with over 50 nations in attendance! The 2023 World University Games will be the 31st winter edition and is to take place in Lake Placid, USA in January. If you think you have what it takes message our race captain, Charlie, for more details!
