The 2006 National Ski Championships, sponsored by British Land for over 25 years, is to take place in the French ski resort of M�ribel for the third year in a row. The event (Seniors: 26-31 March � Juniors/Children: 8-14 April) will see World Cup and Olympic stars Finlay Mickel (the 2005 Downhill champion), Noel Baxter (winner of the 2005 Giant Slalom title) and Chemmy Alcott (the 2005 Women�s Slalom, Giant Slalom and Downhill champion) all returning to defend their titles in M�ribel this March.

Plus champion skier Alain Baxter, who missed last year�s championships with a back injury, will be competing against the 2005 Slalom champion James Leuzinger � who took advantage of Baxter�s absence to capture his first British Senior Slalom Title on M�ribel�s slopes in 2005.

Comments Jean-Marie Choffel, Managing Director of The M�ribel Tourist Office: �The British Land National Ski Championships is the showcase event for British skiers and we�re delighted to be hosting the Championships for the third year in a row. There is a feeling of excitement in the resort when the time comes around for the skiers to do battle with their rivals. The difference between First and Second place last year was a mere tenth of a second, there will be a lot of skiers out for revenge in 2006 and M�ribel will be a hugely exhilarating place to be this March.�

M�ribel Central Reservations has access to a number of hotels and self catering apartments situated throughout the valley and a week�s stay, commencing 25 March or 8 April, starts from just �175 pp. Price is based on four sharing a self-catering two-bedroom apartment and includes a six day Trois Vall�es ski-lift pass per person.

The showcase event for British skiers will once again see Snowsport GB's Patron HRH Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, presenting prizes at the championships and also sees the introduction of a 'championship village' for the first time and an evening parallel slalom being added to the Seniors programme.

For further information, or a copy of the 2006 brochure, telephone The M�ribel Tourist Office on 00 334 79 00 50 00 or visit the website at www.meribel.net