Snowboard Cross athletes prepare for World Cup Final at Club Med Valmorel

The partnership between Club Med and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA) has been of great benefit to the Snowboard Cross program in the past week, with the team using the Club Med facility in Valmorel, France, as an on-snow base before the final World Cup of the season this weekend in Veysonnaz, Switzerland.

The camp was a great success for the whole program, with the athletes making the most of the Club Med and facilities including gym, start gate training and GS training, while still making the most of the great food and entertainment at the Club Med resort as they recovered and prepared between events.

The athletes also spent time meeting guests and staff as representatives of the OWIA Snowboard Cross team.

The OWIA coaches and athletes were full of praise for their Club Med Valmorel experience.

Head Coach - Harald Benselin
"Thank you Club Med and OWIA for this opportunity to be in Valmorel."

"Perfect timing between two World Cup races to reset the team with fantastic lodging, great food and a warm welcome from the Club Med staff of Valmorel."

"We enjoyed this opportunity to practice some essential riding skills around specific training such as the start gate and some good slalom but also some skiing skills with the team."

"Looking forward to coming back, the French Alps are great, see you soon Club Med!"

Athlete - Adam Dickson:
“Couldn’t have found a more welcoming place, had such an awesome time at Club Med. One of the best places I’ve been to relax and reset with a bit of training thrown in!”

Athlete - Cam Bolton
"We were fortunate to be able to spend our week off at Club Med in Valmorel. They looked after us and kept us well fed and comfortable, ensuring we will be firing on all cylinders for the final World Cup of the season. Can't wait to go back!"

Athlete - Josh Miller:
"From being greeted at the entrance and having bags brought to the room to the final night's show, my stay in Club Med has been full of good riding, good food and good people, can’t wait to come back."

IMAGES © Lachy Keevers
TOP - The OWIA Snowboard Cross Program taking in the Valmorel views
MIDDLE - Start gate training in front of the Club Med
BOTTOM - Adam Dickson carving up the French Alps