Snowsports

Find out more

• Race Team

  Whether you’re a seasoned ski racer, or never seen a gate in your life, the Race Team has something for everyone! From those still finding their groove, to some of the best university skiers in Britain, the team welcomes everyone from intermediate skiers to lifelong powder chasers. While we recommend that you are a confident skier for race and freestyle trainings, anyone who is comfortable on ski lifts and with equipment is welcome to come!

  This years training sessions will be held in Bearsden on Tuesdays from 20:00-22:00, though the vans usually leave at 17:30 and will return to St Andrews at 23:30. Since this years sessions will beheld next to the freestyle team, the vans are always full of good vibes, rockin records, and maybe even some post session team bonding if you’re lucky.

  If you’d like to know more about the Race Team, reach out to our captain Freddie Horn!
  

• Freestyle Team

  Our Freestyle team is the home of all things jumps, rails, and tricks! Our sessions are open to intermediate skiers and above so don’t feel discouraged if you have never tried freestyle, these sessions are here to get you started and help you improve. Our qualified coach and experienced captain are there to push you to be the best you can be and get you reaching new heights in no time!

  Trainings this year will be held alongside the Race Team in Bearsden at Tuesdays from 20:00-22:00, though vans leave St. Andrews at 17:30 and return at 23:30. All equipment rentals are included in the price of training and will either be provided by the slope or the club, so don’t worry about getting the gear!

  If you’d like to know more about the Freestyle team email our captain Chase Herz!

• Recreational Team and Beginner Lessons

  Always wanted to ski but haven’t had the opportunity to learn? Love the socials but want to get more involved in the action? Then the Rec Team is the place to get stuck in! Across first semester we run three-session blocks aimed at absolute beginners, or those looking to refresh their skills! While we consistently run ski sessions, we may run a block or two for those looking to try snowboarding so reach out to us to register your interest. Sessions include all gear and rentals, so all you need to bring is yourself and some enthusiasm! Although timing and location for this years lessons are still TBC, get ready because there’s never been a cheaper or easier way to learn to ski!

  In second semester we make the most of the local Scottish mountains and send day trips up to the highlands whenever weather permits. Reach out to our captain Megan Lam if you’re keen or would like to know more!

• Competitions

  For those of you who wish to pit yourself against some of the best university skiers in Britain, SAS goes head to head with unis across the UK in a number of competitions across the year. We start semester 1 strong with the Scottish and British University Dryslope Championships (SUDS and BUDS) in Edinburgh, where we go against the best dryslope skiers in Scotland and the UK!

  We’ve also got some excited comps in semester two, including the Ajam Festival where we trek down to Bristol for two days of racing, jumps, and dj sets on the slope!! We round the year out with the Scottish Alpine Student Championships, where we get a chance to ski on real snow up in the highlands. If you’d like to know more about how to get involved in our teams and competitions stay reach out to our email or stay tuned to our socials!

• Ski Trip

  Whether you’re a dedicated SAStronaut or not, chances are you’ve heard of our legendary ski trip! Every January we take almost 400 St. Andrews students to the Alps, and your ticket includes a 6-day lift pass, accommodation, and access to all the fun goodies, drink discounts, and events we put together for you! Whether you want to hit the slopes at first lift, stay out until last orders, or both, ski trip is the place for everyone to make memories for a lifetime. Make sure you join our mailing list so that you don’t miss out on how to get involved in the best week of the year.

• Socials

  Whether you’re a diehard powder hound, gate punching racer, or haven’t yet discovered your love for the slopes, we strive to put together some of the best and biggest socials in town! From massive sinners pres, to bumpin club nights, to monthly pub socials, we’ve got something for everyone. While our memberships offer early access benefits to our ticketed events, we love for everyone and anyone to come along – the more the merrier! Join our mailing list or check out our social accounts to make sure you don’t miss a single event.

• Wellbeing Resources

  Basic Helplines:

  NHS 24 – 111 (24/7): Scotland’s 24-hour health advice and support service, providing guidance and connecting patients to appropriate healthcare. It helps manage non-emergency medical concerns and reduces pressure on emergency services.
  Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7): UK-based charity that provides emotional support to people in distress or at risk of suicide, available 24/7 through phone, email, and text. Their service is confidential and free, offering a listening ear for anyone struggling with mental health or personal issues.
  Breathing space – 0800 83 85 87 (Mon to Thu 6pm-2am, Fri 6pm – Mon 6am): a free, confidential phone and web-based service in Scotland that provides support for people experiencing low mood, anxiety, or depression. It offers a safe space to talk about mental health issues and connects individuals with helpful resources or professionals when needed.
  Papyrus hopeline – 0800 068 41 41 (9am – midnight everyday): UK-based suicide prevention helpline offering confidential support to young people under 35 who are struggling with thoughts of suicide. The service also provides advice and guidance to concerned family members, friends, and professionals.
  BEAT : UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by eating disorders, offering helplines, online support groups, and resources for recovery. It provides guidance and information to those struggling, as well as their families, aiming to promote early intervention and long-term support. – https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/support-services
  Have 18+ helpline 0808 801 0432 – Email support – [email protected] – Also have an online chat room – https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/online-support/

  LGBTQ+:

  LGBT Youth Scotland: a charity that supports young LGBTQ+ people in Scotland, offering resources, advocacy, and safe spaces to help them thrive. It provides guidance on issues like mental health, identity, and discrimination, while promoting inclusivity and equality.
  Has an online chat room – https://lgbtyouth.org.uk/get-support/
  LGBT Foundation – UK charity that supports the LGBTQ+ community by providing health, well-being, and advocacy services. It offers resources like counselling, sexual health services, and a helpline, aiming to promote equality and improve the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. 0345 3 30 30 30

  Mental Health:

  SAMH: a mental health charity in Scotland that offers support, services, and advocacy to individuals struggling with mental health issues. It works to raise awareness, provide resources, and campaign for better mental health services across the country. https://www.samh.org.uk
  Shout: confidential UK text messaging service that provides 24/7 support for people struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. It connects users with trained volunteers who offer real-time help and guidance through text conversations.
  – Text: SHOUT to the number 85258
  Sleep Scotland: a charity dedicated to improving sleep health for individuals of all ages through education, support, and resources. It provides guidance on sleep issues and promotes better sleep practices to enhance overall well-being.
  – Requires initial email first to arrange a phone call – [email protected]
  MIND – leading UK mental health charity that offers support, information, and advocacy for individuals experiencing mental health problems. It provides resources, campaigns for better mental health services, and aims to improve the quality of life for those affected by mental health issues. www.mind.org.uk

  Websites for addiction:
  Alcohol Anonymous Scotland & Narcotics Anonymous Scotland:
  – provides support through a network of meetings for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, offering a 12-step program and a community of shared experiences. Narcotics Anonymous Scotland offers a similar network for those dealing with drug addiction, focusing on peer support and recovery through a 12-step approach.
  – Alcohol – 0800 9177 650
  – Narcotics – 0300 999 1212 – Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk – Narcotics Anonymous https://ukna.org
  With you: UK-based charity that provides free and confidential support for individuals affected by drug and alcohol problems. It offers counseling, advice, and treatment services to help people achieve and maintain recovery. https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/advice-and-information
  SMART recovery: global non-profit organization that offers self-help and support for individuals seeking to overcome addiction and unhealthy behaviors. It uses a science-based
  approach, including tools and strategies for building motivation, managing cravings, and achieving lasting recovery. https://smartrecovery.org.uk

  Domestic Abuse Helplines:
  – Domestic abuse and forced marriage/GBV – Confidential service. Call 0800 027 1234 or email [email protected] : A Scottish charity dedicated to improving mental health and supporting individuals through various services and advocacy efforts. It focuses on promoting mental well-being, providing resources, and campaigning for better mental health services across Scotland.

  Sexual violence/assault:
  – SARCS – specialized facilities that provide support, medical care, and forensic examination for individuals who have experienced sexual assault or abuse. They offer a safe, confidential environment where survivors can receive immediate help and access to ongoing support services.
  Call 0800 148 88 88. NHS Inform have more info about SARCS here – https://www.nhsinform.scot/
  – Police Scotland – have a webpage providing advice about how to report a crime or access help. https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/rape-and-sexual-crime/help-for-victims-of-sexual-crime/.
  – The Rosey Project – The Rosey Project is an initiative aimed at providing support and resources for individuals affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. It focuses on offering tailored help, advocacy, and empowerment to survivors, helping them navigate recovery and access necessary services.
  . Call 08088 00 00 14
  – The National Rape Crisis – Helpline for victims of rape. Call 08088 01 03 02 (everyday 6pm – midnight).

• Partner and Charities

  SAS works hard to make sure we’re supporting both brands and charities that we truly believe in.

  We support two main charities, Protect Our Winters (POW) and Disability Snowsports UK (DSUK). POW works to empower those passionate about the environment to turn their passion into action to protect the environment. DSUKs goal is to remove barriers to ensure that everyone has the chance to get on the slopes and try the snowsports that we all know and love!

  We support these charities through monetary donations, advocacy, and special events, so get in touch to learn how you can get involved!

  We also work with a number of partner brands to make sure our members are able to get a wide range of gear at the lowest prices, read below to see some of the bonus benefits from your membership (sponsor discounts and deals are available to both social and au members)!

  Ski Bartlett: Whether you’re a keen racer, boarder or freestyler, Ski Bartlett has everything you need! With our membership you get 10% all products to get you kitted out for slopes in no time!
  Dynastar: SAS is stoked to be sponsored by Dynastar again this year! Providing members with big discounts on skis and all things race kit, we’re excited to be working with the best in the biz!
  OOSC Clothing: From jackets, to fleeces, to hats, to their iconic ski suits, OOSC is leading the pack in snowsports style. Our members get 20% off all items (on top of other sales!), so check out their website for some of the coolest kit around.
  Forward Outdoor: Looking for sustainable ski and snowboarding clothing? Introducing our newest clothing sponsor Forward outdoor, buying ski clothes has never looked so eco friendly!
  El Sueño: Did someone say shots? SAS is proud to be sponsored by El Sueño again this year! Providing us with some of tastiest tequila out there, be sure to keep an eye out during our house parties and sinners to uncover the hype for yourselves!
  The Saint: SAS’s regular hangout, we hit the Saint the second Wednesday of every month to take advantage of discount pints and specialty cocktails, rumour has it the discount isn’t just on Wednesdays though…
  The Rule: A venue you’re all familiar with, the Rule has provided you thirsty SAStronauts with lovely pints for only 3.50, all you need to do is say the word SAS!
  Aikmans: Did someone say 5% off across the board? Aikmans has provided us with a lovely discount on everything and anything under their roof!

  We always work to expand our list of partners over the year so stay tuned, who knows what deals SAS will secure for you..

• How to get involved

  Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced skier or snowboarder, already attend the University or if you are thinking about attending, please get in touch to register your interest and find out more about our club.

  The University hosts a Sports Fayre at the beginning of each academic year during Orientation Week, giving prospective members the opportunity to talk to club members and sign up to ‘Give It A Go’ sessions.

  Please email the club to register your interest: [email protected]

  Club Membership

  All matriculated students at the University can join the Snowsports Club. SAS has two different types of membership based on your interests, our full AU membership (required to attend trainings and competitions), as well as a social membership (offers event early access/discounts, a lovely member tee shirt, and ski trip access). Check out the chart below to see the full list of benefits, and find out what type of membership is right for you!

  Please visit the Saints Sport website for a full list of club membership options, prices and information on how to purchase your membership.