Member Article

Scottish Freedom Series Event Proves to be a Hit

Now in its third year running, this year’s Scottish Freedom Series (SFS), Scotland’s freeride and freeski tour, has been hailed a huge success by event organiser Snowsport Scotland. Held across four different events at four different locations, the fourth and final round took place earlier this month and saw a host of top talent taking part.

Running since late February, the four events, held at Glenshee, Lawers, Glencoe, and Nevis Mountain, allows budding off-piste competitors to compete across various types of terrain, building up points across the series until final rankings at the end of the competition. Over 79 competitors took part in the competition, proving to be one of its best years yet.

The top 30 competitors in each category are awarded series point - ranging from 100 points for first place down to just one point for 30th place, competitors then accumulate series points for their rankings at each event. Skier, Katie Small, took the overall victory of the competition receiving an impressive 380 points - the most points out of any other competitor - ranking first in the overall female skier category as well as receiving first place in three out of the four events. Joanne Slater topped the league in the female board category with 300 points, Robbie Paton receiving first place in the male boarding category with 340 points and Dave Biggin ranking in at first place in the overall male ski category with 360 points.

Iain Ramsay-Clapham, Development Manager at Snowsport Scotland commented, “The SFS is a real highlight in the winter season and this year was one of our best years yet. The level of ability was exceptional and we saw some outstanding performances from competitors across all categories. The series brings together some fantastic talent and provides a platform for like-minded competitors to get together and really push themselves to the best of their ability.”

An honourable mention also goes to Rob Kingsland who entered the competition as the reigning male ski champion from previous years. Due to other commitments Rob was unable to put in sufficient runs in his first event to get into the running, yet – despite a disastrous fall in the second series – Rob still managed to display some impressive performances in the final two events, securing an extremely impressive second position in the overall series. A special mention should also go to Matt Pavitt – a newcomer to the event, securing an overall position of fifth place, also in the male ski category.

Sponsors of the event included Blues, Anatom Footwear, Scarpa, Dynafit, Teko, BCA, Black Crows, ZAG, Craft and Glemore Lodge who provided very much appreciated support and prizes for the event and its competitors.

“Snowsport Scotland will continue to run Scottish Freedom Series events on an annual basis for the foreseeable future. All of the centres involved played fantastic hosts and we couldn’t have done it without them, along with the ever committed event crews throughout the series.” continued Iain.

Snowsport Scotland is the national governing body (NGB) for snowsports throughout Scotland. The organisation aims to facilitate and encourage participation in snowsports whilst building and supporting a strong club coaching structure. They help to deliver top quality coach and instructor training programmes which aid the development and nurturing of Scottish and Great British snowsport athletes.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Scarab4 .