UK Ski Tour Operators Working to Turn Young Lives Around

22nd February 2023

Last modified on February 26th, 2023

Inghams and Esprit have joined with the charity, Snow Camp, and GB Olympic snowboarder, Jamie Nicholls, to give youngsters from inner cities opportunities in snowsports.

Their aim was to support apprenticeships, internships, qualifications and opportunities for young people who would otherwise have no access to skiing or snowboarding.

Earlier this month, youngsters from Manchester, the Midlands, London and Glasgow completed UK-based apprentice schemes with Snow Camp, before travelling to Val-d’Isère in France.

They experienced life in the ski resort with Inghams and Esprit, the ski and snowboard tour operators of the Hotelplan group.

They were joined by Olympian, Jamie Nicholls, who himself grew up in Bradford, far from snowy mountains and has since become an ambassador for Snow Camp.

The Snow Camp apprentices were given a taste of ski season living, learned about mountain-based careers and had ski or snowboard lessons.

Snow Camp with Inghams/Esprit & Jamie Nicholls in Val d’Isere. Image © Inghams/Esprit/Work a Season

Inghams and Esprit are already planning to host another group of apprentices in the Alps next winter.

They are also offering a 12-month internship in the Inghams and Esprit UK head office to give one of the 2023/24 Snow Camp apprentices first-hand experience of working in the industry.

“I joined Snow Camp in 2019 after I had struggled to apply myself at school. For this reason, I had been suffering mentally,” said apprentice, Max Conway.

“Snow Camp takes disadvantaged inner-city kids and transforms their lives through snowsports, but for me the most important part is how so many young people who have been through some really difficult times become part of something together and share their struggles with each other, realising they are not alone.

“The bonds that are formed throughout the programmes are unique and life-changing.

“The opportunity to go out to Val D’Isère was amazing, I learned so much about the industry thanks to Inghams and Esprit, and got the chance to snowboard with inspiring athlete, Jamie Nicholls.”

The Olympian said he was honoured to be an ambassador for the programme.

“It’s so important that we break down the boundaries and support people who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to experience the amazing opportunities working in and enjoying snow sports can bring,” he said.

“Snowboarding and the industry can provide so much more than just fun on the snow, it’s about life skills and lifestyle too.”

Watch Jamie Nicholls interview the Snow Camp apprentices

The Director of Human Resources at Hotelplan, Nicky Lyle said they were committed to increasing exposure and opening up career opportunities for all young people.

“No matter your background, gender or ethnicity, we welcome you to experience the joy of working a season with us. This initiative is just the first step in doing more to support young people’s snow sports and travel industry careers.”

Snow Camp’s Dan Keeley said: “We couldn’t be more grateful for Hotelplan’s commitment to supporting Snow Camp to break down barriers and broaden horizons for our young Apprentices embarking on their careers in the snowsports industry.

“Since 2003, we’ve worked in close collaboration with all corners of the UK snowsports industry, particularly with those who truly appreciate the power of snowsports to turn young lives around.

“It’s clear that the entire Hotelplan group embodies this shared vision and mission; truly going above & beyond to change the lives of our young people in our 20th anniversary year.”