Zak Carrick-Smith Photo GEPA pictures

Britain endured a drought of alpine ski racing success for many years, with an agonizing 36 years between their first and second men’s FIS World Cup podiums. Dave Ryding rewrote that narrative, transformed those results, and shattered that record. He has since inspired a new generation to watch and participate in skiing and ski racing. Among the most notable Britons he has influenced are three brothers who have ski racing in their veins. Luca, Freddy, and Zak Carrick-Smith are the sons of four-time British Olympian Emma Carrick-Anderson and former British ski team coach Phil Smith.

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The story so far…

Their parents never forced their sons on the slopes: “It is just something that happened naturally that they all enjoyed.” This quite quickly led to something the boys were ambitious about. At first, their eldest, Luca, now 19 years old, stepped into a start gate around 11. 

From a young age, it was clear to the whole family that success was possible, as demonstrated in the 2023/24 season. Hopefully, the results next season will lead to continued success.

Zak has already made a name for himself on the biggest U18 stage in the world, having become a double Youth Olympic Champion in Alpine Combined and Slalom in South Korea last January. He also picked up the silver in the Giant Slalom at the same competition, which gave him and his family the recognition they deserved. 

The family dynamic

While being surrounded by the people who know you best is fantastic, it also presents challenges. Emma recalls long periods last season when the family was apart for several weeks. Freddy recalled, “My dad might take me and Zak to a race, and my mum might go with Luca.” 

However, you can feel the genuine connection between the family members, and they all work hard together.  

Ease of success: Then vs. now

With the boys enjoying the whole experience of working through the British system, Emma commented, “There are certain difficulties and challenges, now and then, that affect different parts of the journey, but everyone’s unique.” However, it is hard to compare when Emma came through in the late 1990s to today, but the values, effort, and determination required certainly haven’t changed. 

Inspiration from current WC racers

When all three brothers began considering ski racing as their profession, a certain Brit named Dave Ryding began breaking records. Britain’s most successful ski racer to date was embarking on a memorable World Cup journey. Having picked up his first podium in Kitzbuhel in the 2017 slalom, the sky was the limit. Five years later, he improved on that result, becoming the first Brit to win a FIS World Cup race while simultaneously becoming the oldest first-time FIS WC winner.

The rest of the British pack

This summer, all the brothers had the exceptional opportunity to train with fellow British racers Billy Major and Laurie Taylor, who are currently ranked in the top 35 in the world slalom rankings. The influx of British racers looking to follow Ryding’s success is incredible. Luca, Freddy and Zak want to replicate these feats and inspire many generations of future British racers. 

How to combat the lack of financial support?

Sponsors: That is the ultimate answer to how this tight team continues to fund the careers of the next flock of British ski racers. In this regard, Phil said, “It would be impossible without all the support we get from our sponsors.” He was very keen to highlight that “not only would this journey not have started but wouldn’t have continued” without the vital financial support from various resources. 

The finances must be improved, though. While there is money from the business that Emma and Phil still own in France, the financial ship is stable, but more sponsorship would allow them to progress to the highest level. 

Option to ski for France

Freddy and Luca, both 17 years old, were born in France and hold dual citizenship, so they could explore this option. However, all three boys agreed, “We wouldn’t have the opportunities and freedom we have in our team if we were in the French Federation.” 

One example of a teenager on the tour is French racer Flavio Vitale, who recently turned 19 and has made 3 FIS World Cup starts. To this point, Luca hasn’t started in a Europa Cup race, but he doesn’t see any disadvantages to the route he and his younger twin brothers have taken. 

The summer preparations

The summer training split the family during specific periods, especially when Luca went to New Zealand to train in Queenstown. They spent time together in Norway on the glacier at Fonna and indoors in Belgium at the start of October. The time spent in Belgium is still very much appreciated. As Luca said, “It’s a great way to test the equipment and to see where you’re at technically,” while emphasizing the “importance of” Emma and Phil’s service work with the edges. These are vitally important for all three of the brothers as they know that might well be the sort of conditions they will race on next season. 

Turning the dream into a reality

The entire Carrick-Smith family remains confident that the boys can succeed in the sport. They firmly believe the accomplishments of Britain’s top ski racers can be repeated. Emma said, “We all believe they can be great ski racers, and this is the next step in our adventure.” This positivity can also be seen in the boys through their work ethic and determination to succeed in a sport they are passionate about.

An average training session

Emma Carrick-Anderson usually sets the course, which in their recent camp in Saas-Fee “depends on day-to-day conditions”; she likes to “alternate between slalom and GS to give the boys” consistent exposure to both. All three young racers also undergo intense physical training programs daily. In their most recent camp in Saas-Fee, Zak recalls how, after an intense morning of training, they “might go and play volleyball in the afternoon.” They’ve also “really got into golf recently, so we were on the course” on a few occasions.

Partnership with the Butlers

The five-strong team also spends the winter living with the Butler family. The Butlers are a family of four, with the current attention being focused on 18-year-old Molly, who many believe can deliver some of Britain’s best results. She is desperate to follow in the footsteps of Emma and, more recently, Chemmy Alcott and Charlie Guest. Her brother Mattie is just 15 years old. His experience with the Carrick-Smiths could see him rise to the very top, alongside the already strong crop, in the future. 

Final word

Representing the small nation of Great Britain, this team emphasizes the sheer fighting spirit and togetherness that Ryding has been displaying on tour for a decade. With these five racers, the future of GB Snowsport’s alpine success is almost guaranteed and is undoubtedly the most exciting it has ever been. 

You may have heard of US Ski Team member Ryan Cochran-Siegle, nicknamed R.C.S., but get ready to experience Luca, Freddy, and Zak Carrick-Smith, soon to be known as L,F, and Z.C.S.