LOCAL snowboarder Nicole Haines is preparing for the biggest competition of her life after enjoying a successful 2014.

Tignes in the French Alps will play host to The Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championships in March, which will be Nicole’s first mountain event and she can’t wait to get started.

“It will be my first time competing in a massive event on a mountain and I can’t wait to enjoy it,” she explained.

“Hopefully I will be able to bring home some medals to add to my collection.”

Nicole enjoyed some great success in 2014, with the highlight winning the English U12 Slopestyle Championships as well as gaining sponsorship from the Chill Factore, which has enabled her to take a step closer to her ambitions.

“I have had a brilliant 2014, winning three gold medals and one silver,” said the Astley schoolgirl.

“I love snowboarding and the Chill Factore have helped me reach my goals of training with the England Park and Pipe squad in the next 12 months.”

“Having great sponsors helps me to be able to concentrate on training and focus on where I want to be and how I am going to get there.”

The 10 year-old even managed to attract the attention of Sochi 2014 Olympian Aimee Fuller, and was lucky enough to be given the chance to take to the slopes with her, even teaching her a trick or two.

“We got the Chill Factore park shapers to open a box and I actually inspired Aimee to do a trick that she hadn’t done in a while called a cab 180 on, 180 off. We had a great time!”