A young skier has his eyes firmly set on a podium finish as he prepares to step onto the slopes at the forthcoming English Alpine Ski Championships in Italy.

Markus Kadrnka, 12, will compete across three disciplines as he chases a national title in Bormio, racing in the Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G in the under-14 age category.

The English Alpine Championships are a week of national-level racing and skiing camaraderie, featuring the best English skiers in the country, ranging from under-10s up to senior athletes.

The Reed’s School pupil is no stranger to the Bormio snow, however, having competed at the Championships for the last four years.

But Kadrnka, who skis for Sandown Park and is a member of the national team, insists this could be his year to shine as he welcomes a fresh challenge.

“I’m going to be competing in the Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super-G, and it will be my first ever Super-G competition,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to it quite a lot, because I’ve never done it before, but I still think it will be really good fun.

“We’ll have to see how I do, but I think I have the potential to do quite well.

“This will be my fourth year at the English Ski Championships, I’ve been on the podium a few times for my age categories. I started when I was a mini, so I’ve won medals at Under-10 and Under-12 level, and this year I’m looking to win a few more.

“This season is my first year in the England squad, so I would like to keep my place there, and I want to be top ten in all of my races – they are my big targets.

“I’m confident I can achieve those top ten places, although I know it will be hard but it will be good fun trying.”

From February 11-17, 350 of the best English Alpine skiers will descend on Bormio, Italy for the 21st English Alpine Championships, organised by national governing body Snowsport England.

The English Alpine Championships continue to feature the rising stars of alpine skiing in England, previously acting as a platform for the likes of Chemmy Alcott and Dave Ryding.

And as his love for his sport continues to flourish, Kadrnka has big ambitions for his future on the slopes.

“I started skiing when I was three on holiday, and after a few years, I decided to try out for Sandown Park, and they are still my home club,” he said.

“I train several weeks a year on snow in Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France, and Austria is probably my favourite place to ski because the snow is always good.

“I just love being in the mountains and being outside in the fresh air, and when I’m going fast, it gives me such a buzz like no other.

“I’m very proud to be part of the national squad. It has given me a lot more confidence. I was really delighted to be asked to join and it was a big achievement for me.

“I’d like to ski for Great Britain one day and maybe make the Winter Olympics.”

Follow the English Alpine Championships on the Snowsport England Facebook page and get live updates on Twitter @SnowsportEng. Full results will be available at www.snowsportengland.org.uk while you can find your nearest slope offering value-for-money GO SKI GO BOARD sessions at www.goskigoboard.org.uk