IT proved to be a successful trip to Les Crosets in the Swiss Alps for Pontypool Ski Racing, as their team of 14 racers brought home a clutch of medals from the Welsh Alpine Championships.

The race club, which was only established just over a year ago, has placed itself well and truly on the map when it comes to harnessing local talent and producing great results.

In the U16 categories, Arwen Hobson took the top podium spot in the girls’ giant slalom with Saskia Henry-Davies securing gold in the slalom and silver in giant slalom.

Dino Bartlett-Jones stormed to silver in the boys’ slalom in the same age category.

In a hotly contested category, Ffion Lewis took the bronze medal in the U14 girls’ giant slalom, while team-mates Manon Higgins, Erin Higgins and Catrin Morley all delivering excellent performances.

In-form Lauren Bloom, who has been a frequent podium finisher this season, secured giant slalom bronze in the overall U16 girls’ slalom competition.

And in the masters women’s category, Lisa Williams skied to gold with a great first run in the slalom.

There were some very strong performances from newcomers to the championships, with Ethan Hobbs (U12) and Bethany Woollard (U16) demonstrating the pipeline of talent at the club.

And in the FIS races, the top international level of ski racing, Ryan Bloom had a superb first run in the slalom to place second ahead of many renowned international skiers, before coming up short on run two.

Pontypool Ski Racing chairman Julia Higgins said: “The Welsh Alpine Championships are an excellent event for our club to showcase the talent we have, and the results of a strong coaching team ably led by head coach Adam Bloom.

“I’m extremely proud of our team as everyone gave 100% and really pushed themselves.

“We look forward to continued success in 2020, both on snow and on the dry slope.”