British players line up for 2010 Powder Byrne Junior Tennis Trophy

LTA Online
02 March 2010
Original Article available HERE

It has been announced that the 2010 Powder Byrne Junior Tennis Trophy will take place from the 22nd May – 28th November 2010 and will welcome competitors from across Great Britain.

The Powder Byrne Junior Tennis Trophy, has been recognised as a Grade 3 rankings tournament, and will feature junior events for 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups as well as Men’s and Women’s open singles and mixed doubles events.

This is a postal event which means the earlier rounds will be played at local or regional tennis clubs, schools or public courts.

This allows players to compete regardless of standard or irrespective of whether they are club members although players must hold a British Tennis Membership number and an LTA rating to compete in the singles events.

With the higher ranked players directly seeded through to the knockout stages, the tournament has already attracted early entrants in the form of British junior no.1 Oliver Golding and one of the leading 12U players in Britain, Jazzi Plews.

Golding will return to a familiar event, having picked up the 12U title at the tournament’s inception in 2004.

“The Powder Bynre Junior Tennis trophy is a great opportunity to play matches where you have the flexibility to arrange to play on dates to suit your own schedules.

I first played the Powder Byrne Junior Tennis Trophy when I was 10 years old, and six years on, I am still looking forward to playing the event, as its great match play for all standards,” said Oliver Golding.

Other top British players who have benefited from playing in postal events previously include, Laura Robson, Melanie South, Katie O’Brien and George Morgan.

As well as offering a competitive element, the tournament will also adopt a family orientated approach with the inclusion of a Family Doubles event and all entrants are invited to participate in a complimentary coaching clinic on finals day at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton on the 28st November 2010.

There are great prizes on offer, including Dunlop Racket Contracts.

Entries for the 2010 event close at 2:00pm on the 14th May 2010. To enter or for further information please visit www.powderbyrne.com where there will be a link to the online entry form or send an e-mail to the following e-mail address: powderbyrnetrophy@octagon.com

Latest News From Zürs

Hello snow fans,

What a lucky bunch our half term guests were. Day after day of blue skies again. Ok it did get a little bit cloudy later on in the week, but everyone was still talking about the amazing weather on the way home. It almost got too good at one point, with temperatures soaring and a bit of a mini melt being brought on as a result. Have no fear though, the barometers swung around again, and thermometers have dropped back down to more wintry levels. Temperature swings normally bring gifts, and Friday saw a reasonable amount of snow fall. We had a bit of wind with the snow fall which blew some of the snow off the exposed face of the Zuger exposing some rocks and grass that had previously been covered. I just looked out the window though and its snowing, so they’ll be buried again soon enough.

A big thank you goes to all the participants in the biggest end of week race yet. Around 40 Yetis hurtled down the course in Zürs. 15 or more parents thought it looked like fun too, and threw themselves at the challenging run with gusto. Some buoyed up with dutch courage provided by Capt Morgan and his friend G Wein. The winner of the PB Mens downhill took the title by the slimest of margins. Only 0.01 second between first and second!!! Vancouver 2010 eat your heart out. The SnoZone groups were not going to be left out either, and put on a display of their skills. The music thumped out, the commentary provider almost lost his voice, cakes, muffins, and the stickiest of cookies where devoured by the tray load. I can’t wait for Easter to do it all again.

Perhaps you should come out before then and get some practise in?

See you soon
Powder Byrne Team Zürs.

Latest News From Zürs

Hello snow fans,

By night all you can see is stars, and by day all you can see is Blue. The abundant snow falls of the previous weeks have cleared, leaving that magic combo of Blue, White and Green again. Boy oh boy was it cold though, which if wrapped up in the right layers wasn’t a problem. The sun when enjoyed in the right location was plenty warming enough too. Not sure I’d go as far as the brave soul I saw sunning themselves while riding the Schlosslkopf chair the other day though, Brrrrr. This cold snap does have its advantages of course. The crisp air, makes for stable piste conditions, and the grooming team have continued to work wonders on the runs. The February half term period will put the runs to the test, and I’m confident they will be in peak condition. Many European countries are holding holidays next week, and we do expect the area to be rather busier than usual. Zürs, and Lech however never really appear overcrowded. Could be the largely fabulous lift system they have here, or may be its just the exclusive nature of the area. Lift queues are never terrible, and you can be whisked up to the top of another run in no time.

So the pistes are ready, the lifts are at full speed, the yeti team is awaiting the children, and the lunch stops are all booked.

See you on the snow,
Powder Byrne Team Zürs

Latest News From Zürs

Hello snow fans,

I now cannot remember when we last had a day that it didn’t snow in the Arlberg. Conditions are getting better and better and better. On piste you’ll find super soft groomed runs that a good friend of mine describes as Hero Snow. Snow so grippy and forgiving that even a keen amateur will feel like the next Franz Klammer, Bode Miller, or Lyndsey Vonn as they whip down the runs.

For those who like to venture further a field, we can offer off piste conditions I have never experienced before. In the right places up to chest high stashes of the fluffy stuff can be found, and elsewhere knee to thigh high powder goodness is in abundance. If you’ve never been off the bashed runs, then our partners at the local ski schools can introduce you to a friendly full trained off piste instructor, and the nice chaps at Strolz rentals can equip you with the requisite safety items.

Off the mountain, yet more fantastic events have been running. Lech welcomed one of the cultural highlights of the season last week, the Bregenz Festival on Snow. Two free open air concerts made up this classical music mini fest, set to the backdrop of the mountains and a stage made almost entirely of snow, that resembled an enormous bowler hat. Viva Verdi – Aria Magic in the Alps presented the famous Italian composer's most moving melodies and kept the large crowds in the Schlosskopfplatz entertained. The performance included pieces from Aida, and La Traviata, with the duets performed by Elena Kelessidi (soprano) and David Stout (baritone). The finale of each performance saw more examples of the local pyrotechnicians art, illuminating the entire valley. Stirring stuff.

Back home the RBS Six Nations Rugby is underway, with England proving victorious over our Welsh neighbours. You need not miss any of the action while your visiting us. Sport Park Lech, the new state of the art leisure centre, is showing every single game in its brilliant bar on good old BBC1. We’ll be more than happy to run you from your hotel to enjoy the match.

See you on the snow,
Powder Byrne Team Zürs

Latest news from Grindelwald

Sun and Snow!!!
Another perfect day here in the Alps. The preparations for February Half term are almost complete and the team are gearing up for a fantastic week's skiing with our guests.
Snow conditions remain excellent with fresh falls over the last few days and today being cool but sunny.
As those of you that have been to Grindelwald before will know there is a family day on Wednesday of your week's stay with us. So for some ideas of what you might get up to with the children here are some suggestions.

Sleigh ride
Ice skating
Visit the Jungfraujoch observation area looking out the glacier and beyond
Train trip to Interlaken
High ropes course in the sports centre (not for the faint hearted)
Indoor climbing
First flyer (zip wire on First from the top station to the mid way station at 84kmph)
Cross country skiing
Helicopter ride alongside the north face of the Eiger.

As you can see there is a lot to do off the slopes here. Please do not hesitate to ask one of my team of Ski Managers for suggestions or for us to book something for you to make your stay that extra bit special.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday
Russ Cooper Resort Manager.

Latest News from Grindelwald

And the snow just keeps coming here in Grindelwald!

Over the past few days we have had around half a meter of snow. As long as it stays cold we should have excellent conditions for February half term.

The team here are currently busy preparing for our 33 families that will be arriving and are looking forward to seeing you all when you arrive.

Gents don’t forget its Valentines day when you get here so if you want to make a reservation for a cosy restaurant or order some flowers contact the sales guys in the office.

More from Grindy next week, bye for now

Russ, Resort Manager

Latest News from Zermatt

Team PB have arrived in Zermatt...   The sun has been shining on this beautiful little town nestled below the famous Matterhorn!  There is fresh snow forecast in the next week... could it get any better?!

The team have been busy running around town meeting suppliers, hoteliers and ski schools, setting up the crèche and Yeti race days.... all in preparation for February half term.   The rest of the team are due out here soon and we can't wait to show them around and get stuck into what should prove to be a challenging, yet rewarding week!

Look forward to seeing you all out here soon.

The Powder Byrne Team, Zermatt

Photos to follow soon!

Latest News from Flims

It's snowing in Flims!!

An initial sprinkling on Monday freshened the pistes, and we awoke this morning to 8 inches of fresh snow in the resort, and more is forecast.

Reports from the team on the mountain confirm fantastic conditions on and off piste. So, without further ado, I am off to enjoy them, and just in time to catch some sun, I think!

SWISS - the ’skier's airline’

 As Switzerland enjoys plenty of snow in the mountains with excellent piste conditions, it’s time to wax your sledge, get your skis and snowboards from the attic and head out to enjoy the powder.

New SWISS route: London Heathrow - Geneva direct

SWISS is pleased to announce the launch of its new London Heathrow – Geneva route with six daily non-stop flights commencing on the 10th January 2010.

London Heathrow to Geneva flights from £82.

Book your seat here!

With SWISS your ski and snowboard equipment travels for free

SWISS has the experience and know-how of transporting your ski and snowboard equipment without fuss or additional cost. Being the skiers airline of choice they are happy to transport your first set of skis/snowboard and boots free of charge in addition to your standard free baggage allowance. Your standard free baggage allowance per person is 20kg in Economy Class and 30kg in Business Class.

Free transport is provided for the following items:

•    One pair of skis, one pair of ski poles and one pair of boots
•    One snowboard and one pair of snowboard boots

SWISS are pleased to offer a very convenient schedule to Switzerland and the Alps, including up to 33 daily flights from UK (London Heathrow, London City, Birmingham, Manchester) to Zurich, Geneva and Basel.

WINTER, SWISS MADE

Latest News from Grindelwald

With all the world cup antics out the way the resort returned to normality, but only for a few days. The centre of town has now been taken over by some of the worlds best Ice Sculptures. Starting last Monday they have been competing against each other to come up with the most amazing sculptures and they haven't failed this year with some outstanding artistry, something that shouldn't be missed if you are going to be visiting Grindelwald.

The snow conditions at the moment are near perfect, having had a good dump of snow last Thursday it has meant all those icy patches being covered up again and with the sun blazing it has been a good opportunity to top up those tans whilst skiing in knee high powder.