Chichester couple scoop a place in the final to win a ski holiday after 20 YEARS away from the slopes

A Chichester couple have scooped a place in the final five to win a luxury winter break to learn how to ski.

GP Assistant Lauren Kenneth, 37, has always wanted to give skiing another go. In 2005 she skied for the first time as nervous teenager in Switzerland now 20 years on she has the chance to return to the slopes to finally learn how to ski.

VIP SKI challenged Brits to get back into skiing by offering the chance to be one of the first people to stay in its brand-new luxury La Plagne property, the Graciosa. The holiday company put out a search for those most deserving of a ‘return to the slopes’ – from Britain’s oldest and most terrified, to those who have stopped skiing due to illness or loss.

Of the 300 entries, Lauren’s story made the judges smile and secured her a place in the final five. The competition now goes to a vote with the public choosing the winner via VIP SKIs website.

Lauren’s husband Chris skied as a teenager in Bulgaria, France and Switzerland when holidaying with his parents, and while he may have returned to dry slopes, it is over a decade since his snowboard has seen fresh powder.

Despite both being desperate to breathe in mountain air, the couple – who have been together 12 years – have never had the opportunity to ski together.

Mother-of-two Lauren said: “We have dreamed about hitting the slopes and seeing the snow-covered mountains again, with the children being small it always felt unachievable. Holidays are fun but full of family chaos and kids’ clubs, it would be a real treat to have a break just us two, learn something new together and soak up the après ski together.”

Lauren and Chris, married in 2017 and share two children Teddy, eight, and Elodie, four.

She added: “I would be a complete beginner, but I really want to learn, if I don’t do it now I’m not sure I ever will. It feels like it would be a fantastic challenge to get back on the slopes again, put a few fears to bed, build up my confidence, and really take in the scene. We have our fingers crossed for a win.”

Perched at an altitude of 2003m above Plagne Centre, the Graciosa, a stunning complex of sixteen chalets for 4 to 14 guests, offers unparalleled convenience and access to the slopes. Skiers can take a short stroll down the piste to the heart of the resort, or ski straight from the ski room into the expansive Paradiski area.

The winner of the £3,466 holiday prize will soak up a room in one of the 16 versatile suites complete with dedicated chalet host serving delicious meals. Other facilities include luxury lounge, bar, ski hire shop, massage room, and childcare facilities.

Celebrating the launch of VIP SKI’s ‘Graciosa’ in 2025/26, Nicola Hardy from VIP SKI said: “Our competition has been a wonderful way to connect with our guests – old and new – and really showcase what we are all about; beautiful skiing and making memories that will last forever.

“There is no better location than La Plagne to embrace being back on your skis or boards. For Lauren and Chris it would be a wow-factor experience, an incredible environment to learn and reconnect with the slopes. We wish all our finalists the best of luck as we open the vote.”

To see all 5 finalists and vote for your winner head to the VIP SKI site and the winner will be crowned at the end of September 2025.