Arnold Clark Funding Helps Para Snowsport Athletes Launch New Training Base in Cervinia

A new chapter in British Para Snowsport development is underway as eight athletes begin a two-week camp in this season’s training base, Cervinia, Italy, supported by funding from Arnold Clark. The camp marks the start of an exciting season of preparation ahead of a Paralympic year.

The current camp, focused largely on free skiing and drill work, takes advantage of Cervinia’s excellent early-season snow conditions. Over the next two weeks, athletes will concentrate on building strong technical foundations, posture and movement patterns.

“Our early season work is all about trying to develop our fundamentals,” Blake Williams, Snowsport Scotland Para Alpine Pathway Coach, explained. “As we move closer to race season, we’ll gradually increase gate training and race-specific work.”

The Arnold Clark funding has been instrumental in helping the team establish a training base in Cervinia. Working in collaboration with the local ski club, the squad now benefits from dedicated ski storage, a gym for strength and conditioning, and a reliable operational setup for both athletes and coaches.

Cervinia was chosen strategically for its excellent resources, and accessible logistics. With four nearby airports and affordable local infrastructure such as car hire and storage, it provides an ideal environment for both elite and developing athletes.

Currently, those training at the base are focused on earning Paralympic qualification spots. As the season progresses, more adaptive and para athletes, including younger pathway skiers will join to gain valuable on-snow experience and build their technical mileage.

The first races of the season are fast approaching, with the team set to compete in Malbun, Liechtenstein, and Resterhöhe, Austria. These early competitions will be key milestones on the road to Paralympic qualification.

As the programme expands, the growing number of athletes and race commitments presents new logistical challenges. “With more people and more races to attend, it’s a puzzle to fit everything together,” Blake noted. “But it’s a good challenge — it means the programme is growing, and we’re heading into the Paralympic season stronger than ever.”

Thanks to Arnold Clark’s support, the Cervinia base is set to become a cornerstone for British Para Snowsport training.