The Brits are Back in Tignes

The Brits, as the name would suggest, is a competition solely for British nationals and as such sees many of the locals seasonnaires who are working in resort, competing alongside some of the finest up-and-coming British talent in a 4 day spectacle up in Tignes Val Claret.

The Brits itself has been run since 1989 and also consists of the Indoor Championships in the UK, held this year in Chill Factore in Manchester back in October. Describing how the Indoor Champs in October would focus on creating a high level of open competition to allow all riders to progress as well as show off their creativity and skills, spectators should expect much of the same over the next week in Tignes, as the main event gets underway on Monday with the Snowboard Rail Jam and Skiercross events.

The competition schedule for the week is as follows;

MONDAY 23RD MARCH

• Snowboard = Bangers & Cash Rails
• Ski = Skiercross

TUESDAY 24TH MARCH

• Snowboard = Snowboardcross
• Ski = Slopestyle

WEDNESDAY 25TH MARCH

• Snowboard = Slopestyle
• Ski = Halfpipe

THURSDAY 26TH MARCH

• Snowboard = Halfpipe
• Ski = Bangers & Cash Rails

FRIDAY 27TH MARCH

• Bad weather contingency day

The different catergories of Slopestyle, Halfpipe, Ski/Boardercross and Rail Jam are open across many age catergories, ranging from the Under-12’s to the Master category, those born before 1984. Having previewed some of the course features as they have been built and shaped in Tignes this week, it is safe to say that this is an event that no spectator wants to miss out on. From the impressive flips and spins found in the slopestyle event, to the relaxed jam format of the Bangers & Cash rail event (where last year there were in facts bangers on the BBQ and hard cash given out for impressive tricks), Tignes Val Claret is the place to be this week.

Not content with being just an amazing spectacle on the snow, The Brits will host crazy après sessions every day at Drop Zone from 16:00 - 18.45 in the middle of Val Claret. Decribed by Whitelines magazine as “A rad winter festival, proper riding and proper parties, and we mean proper!” the après and late night parties will feature a host of live music from Ska Tone and Dominoes as well as local legend DJ Kommissar amongst others TBC, meaning you should prepare yourselves for an onslaught of toffee vodka and crazy dancing, with apparently the odd ‘mega-limbo’ thrown in for good measure.

I for one, cannot wait for this crazy party week to start and to witness some insane skiing and snowboarding.

See you on the slope or at the party!