Get ready to ski out of this world with Disability Snowsport UK!

In the first two weeks of May, skiers across Britain will be preparing to rise to the challenge of skiing the distance of some of the highest mountains - in outer space! Ski Slopes from Edinburgh to Plymouth are participating in this national event to allow local skiers to raise funds and awareness for Disability Snowsport UK, the charity behind the event, who have set three challenges for skiers to choose from.

Those taking part can ski the distance of Mount Huygens on the Moon (3.4 miles), Mount Maxwell on Venus (6.8 miles) or the ultimate challenge of Mount Olympus on Mars at a distance of 15miles. People can take part as an individual or a group, and the charity encourages everyone to make their challenge as original as possible, including dressing up " so look out for a flock of skiing Martians at your local slope!

The event will raise funds for the skiers’ and boarders’ charity Disability Snowsport UK. This national organisation provides life changing opportunities and equal access for people with disabilities to take part in snowsport across the UK. The charity’s work changes lives with therapeutic, emotional and social benefits allowing those with disabilities to develop new skills which they can transfer to their everyday life.

Zoe Gillings, the highest ranked snowsport athlete in Great Britain spoke out in support of the Skiathon: “Snowsports are a great way of keeping fit, a reason to travel around the world, a way to meet new people and have fun with your friends.

The National Skiathon should work brilliantly to bring funds into Disability Snowsport UK enabling more people to enjoy the benefits and delight of snowsports when they would find it extremely hard to do so otherwise.”

The event is now open for entries: it costs £10 to register and Disability Snowsport ask that participants raise a minimum of £25 sponsorship. If you are interested, please go to www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk/skiathon or telephone 0161 7492290 for full details.