Warren Smith is fast becoming one of the most recognisable names in the British ski today. One of the pioneers of the British Freeskiing movement, his ski clinics), movies and events have played a major part in taking the industry forward.

Strange to think that it all started at Hemel Hempstead dry slope, where Smith once added a few years to his age so he could work as a ski tech. After a spell on the UK racing scene, he headed out to the real stuff in Seefeld, Austria, where he qualified as an instructor.

In 1994 after five seasons in Austria gaining more experience and qualifications, he arrived in Verbier: 'I came to Verbier because I saw it as a challenge,' Smith told us. 'It's the original freeski resort. The terrain is sick and there’s always something different to hike and ski.'

It's certainly proven to be a great base for Smith. In 1995 he started his ski clinics, then extended these lessons into his best-selling range of tuition videos. Making movies became more important with the successful Snow Odyssey films, then in 1999, the Verbier Ride, one of the circuit's main freeride events, was held for the first time.

This winter Smith has been working on a combined movie and TV series titled 'Snow's in the House' about resort life seen through the eyes of different people like World Champion freeskiers, mountain guides, ski bums, resort staff, even the local priest in Verbier (god forbid, literally!). We've seen some of the early footage and this will beat any season video you have previously seen. Watch out for it coming to a screen near you this autumn!

Ski Academy Summer Camps
Performance Camps - 22-29 June, 29 June - 6 July

The Warren Smith Ski Academy summer camps are based in Tignes, offering some of the most consistent snow in Europe. Because the glacier in Tignes closes in early May and doesn't open again until 22 June, the courses start with great pistes and often the chance of fresh powder.

On the summer courses, Warren works with intermediates up to expert/instructor level. Areas covered are moguls, steeps, powder/spring snow, carving and racing. He also takes a close look at each person in the group as an individual as he well knows everybody is different. The price of the course fee and 1/2 board accommodation starts at £439 (course only - £239)

British Freeskiing Camp 2002 - 6-13 July

Also based in Tignes, this caters for those interested in getting into Freeskiing + New School, up and coming young rippers who wanna make pro and pro freeskiers aiming to take their riding up a level.

An all-star coaching team includes Warren Smith, Sandy Trust, Pat Sharples, Chris Fecher, Jason Schutt. Coaching will be geared towards Big Mountain, Big Air and Half Pipe. In the afternoon riders will be hitting the water jump on Tignes lake with Henri Authier and Trampoline with Pat Sharples. For more details email Warren direct

Verbier Ride
The Verbier Ride is a European freeride event and the official British Freeride Championships. It attracts many of the world's best freeskiers and boarders to compete in Big Mountain Freeride, Skier/Boarder X and Big Air. The event also acts as a great meeting point for the freeride community with a festival atmosphere in one of the world's greatest ski resorts.

Snow Odyssey
Lots of footage of sick riding from the likes of Francine Moreillon (2 times World Extreme Champion), Gian Simmen (Current Olympic ½ Pipe Champion), Phil Meier (2nd World Heli Challenge 2001), Nicolas Falquet and Crazy Arska (the Alcoholic Telemark man). For more info check www.snowodyssey.tv

Special Offer for Natives - Buy 2 videos get £5 off; Buy 3, get £10 off. Simply quote 'Natives Video Offer' and call +44 (0) 1442 266449 or +41 (0) 79 359 6566

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