Pendle Ski Club's Ryan Wilson crowned English Alpine Champion and British Alpine Champion
A fledgling skier who trains at Pendle Ski Club has achieved outstanding national success, being crowned English Alpine Champion and British Alpine Champion at a competition in Italy.
Nine-year-old Ryan Wilson, who trains regularly on the Pendle dry slope near Sabden, delivered a series of composed and technically assured performances against the strongest young skiers in the country, combining speed, control and consistency well beyond his years.
At the British Alpine Championships, Ryan demonstrated impressive all-round ability across disciplines, finishing 1st in Slalom, 1st in Giant Slalom, and 2nd in Super-G, underlining both his versatility and consistency at national level.
Proud dad Gareth from Ightenhill said Pendle Ski Club had played an important role in Ryan’s development, providing regular access to training and competitive preparation on dry slope, which has helped build the strong technical foundations now translating to success on snow.
Ryan, who began skiing at just two years old, also trains weekly at The Snow Centre, Manchester, combining indoor snow training with dry slope sessions at Pendle.
This season, Ryan has taken inspiration from Britain’s top alpine racers. Having met Dave Ryding on several occasions, he cites him as a key role model. Watching the Winter Olympics in Italy this year has further fuelled his ambition, with Ryan studying races closely and applying what he learns to his own development.
Away from skiing, Ryan enjoys a range of other sports including golf, cricket, swimming, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, supporting his overall athletic development.
Despite his recent success, the focus around Ryan’s development remains firmly long-term, with an emphasis on continued skill development, race experience, and enjoyment of the sport.
A coach close to Ryan’s development commented: “Ryan’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt across disciplines is exceptional for his age. What stands out just as much is his attitude — he listens, learns quickly, and consistently looks to improve.”
Reflecting on his performances in Italy, Ryan said he felt “really proud” and is “excited to keep improving and pushing on” as he continues his progression through the junior ranks.
Ryan shares his journey on Instagram, where he hopes to inspire other young athletes. Follow his progress at @rybotno.