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This year, 20 teams took on the snowsports endurance challenge where they had to ski or snowboard through 37 checkpoints across the vast Portes du Soleil ski area in Morzine, over 2 action packed days.
The conditions for the event were fantastic: ample amounts of snow, the sun was shining and the atmosphere was fantastic.
Andy Bell, CEO of AJ Bell and a participant of this year’s Challenge said: “We covered 180km in two days, got lost, fell over and were more tired and hungry than I’ve been in ages, but I can safely say that was the best two days I have ever spent in a pair of skis.”
Now in its 8th year, the event is going from strength-to-strength, with fantastic funds being raised for our programme Snow Camp. The money raised will support Switch180’s bid to become a national charity enabling the organisation to work with more inner-city young people across the UK. At the end of the 2-day event participants had raised over £50,000, with further donations promised by some teams.
Switch180 Events Manager Julia Smith said, “We are so excited that teams have managed to smash the collective £50,000 target, which will enable us to support so many more young people. We’re so grateful to everyone who took part and to our amazing sponsors.”
Team Snow Chance claimed the gold medal and title of the AJ Bell Alpine Challenge Top Fundraisers 2017 by raising an epic £6,000+. We should also mention legendary ski journalist Arnie Wilson who took part this year and raised over £1,500 individually, whilst Nick Powell’s late donation helped us get over the £50,000 mark. Many other teams smashed their targets with fantastic fundraising efforts and support to our work!
Only three teams managed to reach 36 out of the 37 checkpoints this year, with team Eat, Sleep, Ski, Repeat claiming the AJ Bell Alpine Challenge trophy: They reached 36 checkpoints and skied a massive 237km over the 2 days! The National Guernsey Ski Team came a close second (36 checkpoints and 210km) with Pods Angels in taking the bronze (36 checkpoints and 208km). Well done to the winning team and everyone who took part! A big achievement for all.
Longstanding supporter Jeff Barratt from Norton Rose Fulbright who completed his 5thAlpine Challenge this year and did once again bring along loads of other to participate.
Dan Charlish, Switch180’s Founder said: “The AJ Bell Alpine Challenge is a great opportunity for teams to strategise, test their skiing stamina and above all have a lot of fun. I’m incredibly grateful to all the teams for their fundraising efforts, their help enables us to reach thousands more young people across the country. Get in touch if you want to be involved next year”.
The team at Switch180 would like to express huge thanks to every team for their support – and also to the fantastic sponsors and supporters of the AJ Bell Alpine Challenge 2017: AJ Bell, Hotel L’Aubergade, Morzine Source Magazine, MPI Brokers, Skiworld, Ellis Brigham, Nimlok, Morzine Avoriaz, Trac Trac, Action Mountain, Mountain Mavericks, Skiidy Gonzales, Doorstep Ski, Le Paradis and Morzine Massage.
Next year’s event, will take place from the 25- 28th January 2018 and aims to be even bigger, with many of this year’s teams determined to return and bring friends – so if you are interested in getting involved please email julia@switch180.org.uk.
See all photos of the event at our Facebook page and thank you Mountain Mavericks for the video below.
2017 AJ Bell Alpine Challenge Press Coverage
City AM
Mountain Mavericks second article
