FOR most students keeping up with their studies is enough of a challenge.

But one Barton Peveril student combines this with being a nationally ranked skier.

Sam Fairbairn, in his second year at college, is spending his half-term competing on the slopes in Bormio, Italy, in the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup.

The 17-year-old, from Southampton, ended the 2010/2011 season as one of the top ten under 18 skiers in Britain and will spend eight weeks on the slopes in France, Italy and Switzerland over the winter competing in championships throughout the season.

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