The Ski Club’s original inspiration came from just a few skiers back in 1903. These passionate pioneers had a vision to promote skiing, enhance skills, and foster a sense of enjoyment among enthusiasts while creating a community of like-minded individuals.
To honor this rich legacy, the Ski Club has introduced a new initiative called The Inspire Awards. This program serves as a testament to the club’s original mission and values.
The Inspire Awards consist of five distinct categories designed to acknowledge and support both men and women who are making noteworthy contributions to the world of snowsports.
One such award, The Thomas Lang Schools Bursary, was established in 2016. This annual funding opportunity is open to schools, students, and Ski Club Members. Its primary objective is to cultivate and promote active participation in snowsports by providing financial assistance and encouragement.
The Ski Club’s Thomas Lang Bursary helps secondary school students experience skiing and snowboarding. The scheme awards will award funds of up to £1,000 to go towards helping children to discover the magic of snowsports, thanks to Thomas Lang. A Ski Club member, Lang generously bequeathed a sum of money because of his great love of skiing and involvement with the Ski Club throughout his life.
Please note, applications for the 2024/25 Thomas Lang Bursary have now closed. We would like to thank all applicants for their time in submitting applications. Applications received henceforth will be considered for the 2025/26 cycle, to be decided in June 2025.
The Pery Medal is awarded to a skier, individual or organisation for an outstanding contribution to snowsports. Instituted in 1929 by the Hon E C Pery (later the Earl of Limerick, DSO) and President of the Ski Club of Great Britain (1925-27). Nominations for this prestigious Pery Medal are now decided and awarded by an industry panel who will judge all nominations on their merit.
The Ski Club was delighted to award the Pery Medal in 2023 to Dave Ryding, in recognition of his outstanding service to Alpine racing and him becoming the first Briton ever to an FIS World Cup Downhill Race, at the infamous Kitzbuehel Slalom in 2022.
The Evie Pinching award celebrates the next generation of young and upcoming skiers and boarders, helping them to reach their goal in their chosen snowsports – from slopestyle to downhill and everything in-between. Evelyn Pinching (1915-1988), was herself a British alpine skier who won the 1936 women’s downhill and combined events in the world championship in Innsbruck, and competed in the 1936 Winter Olympics. The Ski Club will be pleased to award the Evie Pinching award during the 2024/25 season, with details to follow.
Since the Ski Club’s inception in 1903 we’ve taken great pride in being involved with both junior and senior British racing and competitions across all disciplines. From the British schoolgirl races right up to the BRITS freestyle championships, the Ski Club continues to pride itself on supporting the development of talent from the playground up to the podium.