AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally Raises Over £250,000 for Snow Camp

Back by popular demand, the AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally for Snow Camp returned to Val Thorens for its second edition this April, with 18 incredible teams taking on 6 epic snowsport challenges over 2 non-stop days whilst fundraising to support Snow Camp’s life-changing work with underprivileged inner-city young people across the UK.

Under blue skies and high spring temperatures, and with snow conditions holding up at altitude, Day 1 of the event kicked off with a spectacular Le Mans start, sending all 72 participants off on their opening ski orienteering challenge covering the whole of the Val Thorens & Belleville Valleys. Over the course of the next 2 days teams each then undertook a team biathlon, a snow shoe hike, a team distance challenge, a duel parallel slalom and attempted the longest zip wire in the alps to complete their challenge.

Hosted by a dream team of Jenny Jones (Olympic Bronze Medalist and Snow Camp Patron) and Tim Warwood (BBC Ski Sunday, Snow Camp Ambassador) the commentary throughout the event was first class – as was healthy sportsmanship and camaraderie, all brought to life by Jenny and Tim’s relentless energy.

The effort put in by all teams was wonderful to see, as were the neon face paints and 80’s retro outfits on show at some memorable and well earned après sessions.

The stunning Hotel Le Fitz Roy was once again our home for the event, with all teams and Snow Camp staff and young people staying under the same roof at the 5* hotel. And once again, the attention to detail and endless support for every guest was truly exceptional – thank you Beaumier!

The Snow Camp staff team included 4 Apprentices from the Snow Camp Midlands and North-West programmes – each of whom spoke bravely and courageously to the full room on the closing evening; sharing the impact Snow Camp has had on their lives with emotion and honesty. There were not many dry eyes in the house.

Andy Bell entertained the room with his annual round up, highlighting some of the funnier moments of the event, but importantly concluded, ‘Of course we love coming here to ski and be involved in all aspects of the event, but it’s for these young people and many more like them that we are all really here. It’s fantastic to be able to hear their stories and support Snow Camp’s work and we are delighted to play our part.’

Snow Camp Founder Dan Charlish, said: ‘We couldn’t be happier with how this event went. All the planning and effort the Snow Camp team put in is repaid tenfold when you have so many fantastic people all in the same place, all trying so hard for the charity, wanting it to succeed, believing in its vision. It is so motivating for all of us and inspires everyone at Snow Camp to keep going and do more.’

Snow Camp Apprentice Kai, said: – “On behalf of myself, Leggy, Robyn and Rumai, we would like to thank everybody who attended the 3 Valley Rally and raised money for Snow Camp. The week has opened our eyes to how many people support and care about Snow Camp’s work, and it was amazing to meet and learn about everybody’s individual stories and share ours with you too. The event was the craziest and most fun long weekend we’ve ever experienced, thank you all for your endless support and laughs though the week. We loved every second.”

Please enjoy some of the fantastic highlights captured by one of our fabulous teams, The Leadership High:

In the end it was the wonderful Team Stragglers who took the win – made up of Rich Rice, Jamie Barrow, Sam Gompels & Dan Frith – claiming the top spot at the Awards Dinner on Monday evening having finished in the top 3 of every discipline; with Team Delanski – made up of Richard Palmer, Robert Jenkins, Marcus Webb & Christina Rehnberg – claiming the top spot for highest fundraisers with a staggering £25,000+ raised!

A special mention also goes to long term supporter and great friend of Snow Camp, Sam Gompels of Gompels Healthcare, who generously and spontaneously stepped up on the closing night with an offer to match-fund every single extra pound pledged on the evening – taking the grand total of this year’s event to a staggering £250,000+ raised!

Thank you all for your amazing support, we could not be more grateful and these funds will enable Snow Camp to positively impact many more young lives over the coming year.

Check out the full results below:

Snow Camp Community & Partnerships Manager Dan Keeley said: ‘The pleasure was all ours. Seeing so many Snow Camp supporters take on the challenges with such passion and energy, whilst smashing their fundraising together, was incredible special this year. Thank you on behalf of all the Snow Camp team to all our friends, partners and everyone involved!’

Jenny Jones said: ‘What an incredible event to co-host; the AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally was flippin brilliant!! Thank you to all the teams involved – you smashed it and gave it your all on every challenge…. raising so much for this fantastic charity supporting young people and changing lives. Big shout out to all the Snow Camp team working hard to make it such a banger three days.’

Tim Warwood said: ‘The 3 valley Rally is an incredible event. Amazing people taking part in some brilliant challenges that any skier or snowboarder would love. Coupled with great food, great times, and good snow, whilst raising some much needed funds and awareness for Snow Camp. Honestly I can’t even begin to say how much fun it was. Bring on next year!’

Eric Darde, President of Beaumier said: ‘Supporting Snow Camp’s work is close to our hearts at Beaumier and we love playing our part hosting all the teams and staff at this unique event. We are already looking forward to next year!’

The 2024 Rally was also supported by a selection of partners who made the event extra special, including Prosneige Ski & Snowboard School, Val Thorens Tours, The Biathlon Experience, Club Des Sport, La Folie Douce, Johns American BBQ, HUSKI, Coolbus Transfers and Après Ski Bands who brought the incredible Magnolia band to bring the event to a close.

Finally, of course, the event simply wouldn’t be possible without the support and generosity of Andy & Tracey Bell and the AJ Bell Trust. Thank you for believing in and backing the event and enabling us to deliver a 5* experience for every guest and team member who joined us in the Alps for this special event in the Snow Camp calendar.

To register your interest in the 2025 AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally – dates announced shortly – please email Dan Keeley at dan.k@snow-camp.org.uk.

Thank you all for your support and see you in 2025!