REECE BELL

At the age of just 19, Reece Bell, daughter of ex-Olympic British skier Martin, is making a name for herself on the slalom race circuit

My ski career in a nutshell…

I am a college and national team alpine athlete. I compete in a variety of FIS regulated races, including university college-level races and Continental Cups. I compete for both the University of Denver (DU) and Great Britain Snowsport teams. 

How it all began…

My dad, Martin, ski raced for Great Britain in the ’80s and ’90s, so I naturally grew up with dreams of making the national team and competing in the Olympics. I have skied since I was three, mainly in Big Sky Montana, where we moved when I was young. At the age of eight I decided to try my first ski race (fully on my own account). Since then I’ve loved the adrenaline rush that accompanies the feeling of racing and carving, and I have used racing as an outlet for my competitive energy, which runs quite strong in the Bell family!

My typical day…

A typical training day for me in Denver consists of an early wake up and an hour-long drive to Loveland Ski Area in the team DU van. I generally do homework during this drive or listen to music. Our coach sets us a course and we train for around two hours, and then drive back to campus. If it’s a week day, I’ll attend my classes immediately after skiing. Some days I will do a small afternoon workout, such as lifting in the gym or riding a spin bike. I also have to tune my skis and get everything ready for the next day. If I have time and am ahead enough in schoolwork then I will hang out with my friends on campus.

Currently, my favourite outdoor Covid-safe activity (besides skiing) is slack-lining. The days can become quite busy, but there is nothing more satisfying to me than being productive, and busy days make the off days that much more enjoyable. 

The highlight of my skiing career so far…

The highlight of my racing career occurred in 2018, when I was traveling with my dad and the British Ski Academy in Australia and New Zealand. I earned some of my best results, and I saw some of the most beautiful and unique areas, too. 

What I love most about ski racing…

Being mindful and fully engaged in a task is a challenging feat, especially in today’s world. Reaching a point of full focus and mindfulness is my favourite part about ski racing. When I am in the middle of a run, in a race or training, and everything feels perfectly in rhythm and sync, that’s when I know I am skiing well, and that hours of hard work are paying off. 

The hardest part is…

The most challenging, and unfortunately common, aspect of ski racing is injuries. I am only 19, but have had two major surgeries due to crashes while skiing. It is devastating to have to start at square one and learn to walk again, while your friends and competitors are able to go out on the mountain every day and continue to do what they love. Patience has never been taught in a harsher manner. 

The people who inspire or have inspired me most…

My dad has always been one of my top inspirations for ski racing. I remember when I was 13, and did much poorer than I expected in a regional under 14 race, I realised how much work actually goes into becoming one of the best in the world, and gained a newfound respect for my dad for accomplishing this. Lindsey Vonn has also been a huge inspiration to me, especially now as I’m older and have been injured – I realise the amount of resilience she had throughout her career. 

If I had to choose one place to ski for the rest of my life…

I may be biased, but I believe Big Sky Montana is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with some of the best freeskiing (that is also accessible to ski patrol). 

MY Future plans…

I will continue with the University of Denver for at least three more years to earn my undergraduate degree, and will likely continue to race out of college. In terms of results and competitions, I try not to place too much emphasis on how I am doing or where I should be for my age, and instead try to enjoy the process and continue to race for as long as it fulfils me. 

Inspired by her dad, Reece is continuing the Bell family tradition of ski racing excellence

PHOTO MIKE HEIDT