ISSC Independent Schools Ski Championships

12th -18th December 2026

The ultimate challenge for your skiers… Imagine this. It’s just before Christmas. You and your most talented skiers are on some of the best slopes in Europe, ready to take on teams from around Britain in an adrenaline-fuelled week of competition that will build on your racers’ skills, resilience and confidence.

The Independent Schools Ski Championships is an annual event designed to bring together exceptional young athletes for some early-season mountain fun, race training and friendly competitive skiing.

The event (run by leading school ski tour operator, Halsbury Travel) offers the opportunity to fully immerse students in the excitement of winter sports. Transport, full-board accommodation, race training and an incredible programme of après-ski activities are included.

In 2026, we'll be returning to the former Olympic resort of Sestriere. Will you join us?

The resort

The ISSC takes place in Sestriere, Italy.
Sestriere is the highest resort in the expansive Milky Way ski area, and offers access to 400km of piste. A former Olympic resort, Sestriere is the ideal destination for skiers to hone their racing skills.
Ski area
ISSC 2026 will be held in the former Olympic resort of Sestriere. 
You'll stay in Sestriere itself, the highest resort in the huge Milky Way ski area, offering access to 400km of piste. Racing will take place on the famous Sansicario Fraiteve course, which was the venue for the women's alpine downhill skiing, super-G and combined races at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
The town

One of the first purpose-built ski resorts in Italy, Sestriere underwent significant development ahead of the 2006 Winter Olympics. It's now one of the top resorts in Northern Italy, with a modern lift system and snowmaking facilities, as well as a village centre boasting all the amenities you could want for a school ski trip. 

Need something bespoke?

Suggested Itinerary

12th -18th December 2026

 £1,665 per person

ISSC is six days of incredible racing and early-season mountain fun. Here’s an idea of what to expect from the week. 

Day 1

Morning

Travel and arrival day

Afternoon

Welcome meeting and ski fit

Evening

Evening meal at your accommodation

Day 2

Morning

Training

Afternoon

Après-ski activities

Evening

Evening meal at your accommodation

Day 3

Morning

Training and racing

Afternoon

Après-ski activities

Evening

Evening meal at your accommodation

Day 4

Morning

Training and racing

Afternoon

Après-ski activities

Evening

Evening meal at your accommodation

Day 5

Morning

Training and racing

Afternoon

Après-ski activities

Evening

Evening meal at your accommodation

Day 6

Morning

Training and racing

Afternoon

Awards ceremony

Evening

Evening meal at your accommodation

Day 7

Morning

Departure day and travel

  • 5 days of training and racing
  • 6 nights' full-board accommodation
  • Ski hire or carriage
  • Ski pass
  • Prize-giving ceremony
  • Return flights from the UK
  • Return overseas transfers
  • Apres-ski and evening entertainment
  • In-resort representative
  • Event hoodie

Accommodation

Villaggio Olimpico, Sestriere

Experience the life of a ski racer by staying at the TH Villaggio Olimpico. This 4* hotel was built to accommodate some of the athletes competing at the 2006 Winter Olympics and offers first-class, modern accommodation that's always really popular with our groups. 

Ideally located at the base of the Olympic slopes, the lifts are just a few metres from the hotel. And you won't need to head up the mountain for epic views - the hotel boasts panoramic views of the Montagna della Luna and the Argentera Valley. 

The hotel is really well set up for groups. The accommodation itself is offered in spacious apartments, each with two sleeping areas, and a cosy seating area with satellite TV. The facilities are brilliant and include spacious public areas, a buffet restaurant, a lounge, a pizzeria, shops (including a mini-market), WiFi in public areas and an indoor swimming pool. 

Race rules

What’s the one thing you need for fair ski racing? A clear set of rules. So, download our guide to the ISSC race rules and share them with your skiers before you head out to the event, so they’re up to speed before they hit the starting gates.

Download the guide

Ski insurance

Another essential when it comes to ski racing is good insurance. In fact, we won’t be able to let you participate unless you have suitable insurance in place. Need more information or advice? Just get in touch.

Contact us for more info

Supporting you
every step of the way

Creating your perfect school ski trip

Your quote will be put together by one of our experienced Tour Advisors, who know our resorts inside out. They’ll work with you to create a trip that suits your group’s needs and budget.

Launching your trip to parents and students

The next step is to get your trip approved and get students signed up. Our Trip Launch Pack is full of resources (all free to download) designed to make your life easier at this crucial point in the planning process.

After you’ve booked

Once you’ve booked, your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will start work on the finer details. They’ll make sure your ski lessons, gear hire and après-ski activities are all sorted and they’ll take on most of the other admin tasks (so you can look forward to the trip as much as the kids).

Support while you’re away

While you’re away, you’ll be looked after by a Halsbury rep based in your resort. Plus, our HQ staff will be on available by phone, 24 hours a day. You’ll get a final info pack before you go with all the info you need, plus access to all your trip documents on the Vamoos app.

After
your trip

When you return, we’ll ask you to complete a detailed feedback survey, so we can continue our service. This is also the perfect time to start planning your next trip, so you can give parents plenty of time to pay for it (and make it easier for you). 

Let's chat!

I would definitely recommend working with the Halsbury Travel Group. They are absolutely amazing! Thank you, Rachel, for being so helpful in any way. The trip was organized to perfection and we had an amazing experience in Montpellier. It was our first time in Montpellier but we worked together before when we went to Rouen for 3 consecutive years and it was equally a big success! So, thank you again for all the details that you provided and for your patience with everything I requested. I am looking to go back to Montpellier next year and I can't wait to be working with you again! Merci beaucoup pour tout!

King Alfred’s Academy

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Your trip will be fully financially protected

Your group's safety will be prioritised

Your trip will be a quality educational experience

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