Discussions to establish a Swiss resort as the official training site of the British Snowboard Team have been taking  place and a partnership deal is due to be finalised and announced in the next few weeks.

With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games within sight, the team are keen to establish a base offering the facilities required to help it prepare.

Well appreciated and equally frequented by British skiers and snowboarder, Champéry has remained small and unspoilt while still providing access to the world’s largest internationally connected ski domain - Les Portes du Soleil. 

Mark Simmers, CEO Snowsport GB said: “Champéry is an excellent village for skiers and snowboarders alike and offers an ideal environment for aspiring athletes with the immense ski domain of the Portes du Soleil which offers a world-class infrastructure.  Snowsport GB and the entire team are thrilled to be associated with Champéry and we look forward to finalising our partnership.”

Within 90 minutes of Geneva Airport, Champéry – Les Portes du Soleil straddles the Franco-Swiss border with 194 ski-lifts and 650 km of pistes as well as nine snowparks, three half-pipes and four boardercoss courses. 

Eric Belanger, Director of the Champéry Tourism, is equally pleased.  “It’s a tremendous opportunity to be associated with the British Snowboard Team.  In addition to sharing their realistic goal for a podium finish at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, we also share their interest in developing snow sports in the important UK market.  While it makes marketing sense, it’s equally exciting to be involved, even indirectly, with the Winter Olympics and youth development in snow sports.”

While terms of agreement are yet to be disclosed, the plan is for the Snowboard Team to reside in Champéry during the winter season when they are not travelling to competitions.