Val Thorens, France – May 19, 2026 – Snow Camp, the United Kingdom’s sole charity dedicated to leveraging snowsports for the engagement of inner-city youth, is celebrating a resounding success following its flagship fundraising event, the 2026 AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally. Held against the stunning backdrop of Val Thorens in the French Alps, the event has concluded another outstanding year, raising over £150,000 to support Snow Camp’s transformative work. This significant sum will enable the charity to continue its mission of empowering young people aged 13 to 21 from disadvantaged urban communities through the unique and inspiring medium of snowsports.
The 2026 edition of the AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally saw 80 dedicated participants embark on a series of six exhilarating mountain challenges, designed to test both physical endurance and team spirit. These challenges, spread across the vast Three Valleys ski area, were meticulously planned to foster camaraderie and a shared sense of accomplishment among the teams. The event culminated in memorable evening celebrations, including the much-anticipated 80s Après Ski Party and a prestigious gala awards dinner hosted at the esteemed Hotel Le Fitz Roy.
This year’s rally marked a significant milestone, surpassing previous fundraising records and underscoring the growing support for Snow Camp’s vital cause. The financial injection of over £150,000 will directly fund the expansion of Snow Camp’s programs, allowing more young people to access opportunities that foster personal growth, skill development, and enhanced future prospects.
A Legacy of Transformation: The Genesis and Evolution of the 3 Valley Rally
The AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally is not merely a fundraising event; it represents a decade-long commitment to harnessing the power of snowsports for social good. The concept originated from a desire to provide life-changing experiences to young people who might otherwise never encounter the mountains. PlanetSKI, a long-standing supporter of the initiative, was present at the inaugural event in 2023, witnessing firsthand the potent combination of adventure and altruism that defines the rally.
The origins of Snow Camp itself trace back to a youth centre in South London, where founder Dan Charlish observed young people expressing a desire to try real snowsports, a stark contrast to their virtual gaming experiences. This observation sparked a mission. In 2003, Charlish secured initial funding to take 13 teenagers to the mountains, an experience that profoundly demonstrated the capacity of snowsports to cultivate resilience, teamwork, and a renewed sense of hope. Since its inception, Snow Camp has positively impacted over 23,000 young individuals from inner-city backgrounds, integrating snowsports with crucial life skills, mental health support, recognized qualifications, and career pathways. The charity’s commitment to youth development has been recognized through prestigious accolades, including its ranking as the 15th highest-placed charity in the UK’s Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers in 2025, and being named Social Justice Apprentice Employer of the Year.
The 3 Valley Rally, established in 2023, serves as a cornerstone of Snow Camp’s fundraising efforts, drawing together corporate teams, industry professionals, and snow sports enthusiasts who are passionate about making a difference. The event’s growing success year-on-year is a testament to its compelling proposition: an exhilarating alpine adventure that directly translates into tangible opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
Corporate Engagement and Elite Support: A United Front for Youth Empowerment
The 2026 AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally saw an impressive turnout of twenty corporate teams, demonstrating a strong commitment from the business community. Notable participants included representatives from Knight Frank, Financial Times, Girl Powder, Snow Finel, Delancey, The Snow Centre, The Entrepreneurial Operating System, The Leadership High, and Beaumier Hotels, among others. These teams, comprising industry leaders and professionals, united for two days of intensive competition, collaborative problem-solving, and dedicated fundraising.
The event also benefits from the invaluable support of Winter Olympians and Snow Camp Patrons, including Chemmy Alcott, Jenny Jones, and Tim Warwood. Their involvement lends significant credibility and inspiration to the cause, amplifying Snow Camp’s message and encouraging wider participation. Their presence at the rally, often engaging directly with participants and young beneficiaries, further strengthens the connection between the aspirational world of elite sport and the grassroots development programs that Snow Camp champions.
On the Slopes and Beyond: Challenges and Celebrations
The 80 participants in the 2026 Rally navigated a demanding yet rewarding schedule. The six mountain challenges were designed to be diverse, incorporating elements of skiing, snowboarding, and team-based problem-solving. While specific details of each challenge remain proprietary to the event, they are consistently structured to promote strategic thinking, communication, and resilience – skills that mirror the personal development goals Snow Camp instills in its young beneficiaries.
Evenings in Val Thorens were dedicated to fostering a sense of community and celebrating achievements. The popular 80s Après Ski Party provided a fun and nostalgic atmosphere, encouraging participants to unwind and bond after strenuous days on the slopes. The gala awards dinner at Hotel Le Fitz Roy served as the pinnacle of the social calendar, recognizing outstanding individual and team efforts throughout the rally.
The Heart of the Mission: Young People’s Journeys Take Center Stage
A particularly poignant and impactful moment of the 2026 event occurred during the gala dinner when Snow Camp Apprentices Louis, Tafari, and Arzu bravely shared their personal narratives. These young individuals, who have directly benefited from Snow Camp’s programs, recounted their journeys of transformation, highlighting how snowsports and the charity’s holistic support system have equipped them with newfound confidence, tangible qualifications, and a clearer vision for their futures. Their testimonies served as a powerful and moving reminder to all attendees of the profound real-world impact their fundraising efforts generate. The standing ovation that followed their speeches underscored the deep resonance of their stories and the tangible difference Snow Camp is making in the lives of young people.
Financial Triumphs and Top Fundraisers
The success of the 2026 AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally is most concretely measured by its exceptional fundraising total of over £150,000. This figure significantly exceeds previous benchmarks and highlights the increasing engagement of the corporate sector and individual participants.
Dan Charlish, Founder of Snow Camp, expressed his profound gratitude for the overwhelming support. "Another incredible year in Val Thorens, with our wonderful teams, patrons, young people, and Snow Camp staff creating magical alpine memories while raising funds that will change the lives of those that need it most," he stated. "We are hugely grateful for the support, and would like to thank every team that fundraised at this year’s event."
Charlish specifically recognized the top fundraising teams: Delanski was awarded the title of top fundraisers, with Snow Finel securing second place, and Snow Brainers in third. This competitive spirit among fundraising teams further fuels the event’s success and encourages greater philanthropic engagement.
Championships and Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
Beyond the fundraising accolades, the rally also crowned its competitive champions. The Knight Riders were celebrated as the overall winners of the 2026 AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally. Stanton Re-United and Carve Diem shared the second-place position, demonstrating remarkable skill and teamwork. Team Kingsley and Snow Finel tied for third place, rounding out a highly competitive field.
The success of the 2026 event has already generated significant anticipation for the future. Momentum is building rapidly for the fifth AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally, with thirteen teams already committed to participating in the 2027 event. This early registration indicates a strong and sustained interest in the rally as a premier fundraising and engagement opportunity within the snow sports industry and the wider corporate world. The 2027 rally is scheduled to take place from April 15th to 18th, promising another unforgettable experience in the French Alps.
For individuals and organizations interested in learning more about the AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally 2027 or Snow Camp’s ongoing initiatives, further information is available at www.3valleyrally.com.
About Snow Camp: A Decade of Dedication to Youth Transformation
Snow Camp stands as a unique entity in the charitable sector, dedicated to using the exhilarating world of snowsports to foster personal development and create brighter futures for young people from urban environments across the UK. Established in 2003, the charity has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing a pathway for young individuals to gain essential life skills, build confidence, achieve qualifications, and explore career opportunities.
The charity’s impact is far-reaching, having supported over 23,000 young people since its inception. By combining practical snowsports instruction with vital support in areas such as mental health, well-being, and employability, Snow Camp offers a holistic approach to youth empowerment. Its recognition as a leading apprenticeship employer and a champion of social justice further solidifies its reputation as a highly effective and impactful organization. The annual AJ Bell 3 Valley Rally, held in the picturesque resort of Val Thorens, serves as a critical platform for securing the resources necessary to sustain and expand these vital programs, ensuring that the transformative power of snowsports continues to reach those who need it most.
