The first-ever UK-based Ski and Snowboard Cross National Trials have begun with an event in Braehead in Scotland ©BSS

The first-ever UK-based Ski and Snowboard Cross (GBX) National Trials have begun with an event in Braehead in Scotland.

Ski and snowboard athletes of various standards and ages descended on the Snow Factor to undertake the process for selection to the Home Nations squad, National Academy squad and the British national squads.

Sponsored by car manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors, the trials are being run by Britain’s three-time Olympic snowboarder Zoe Gillings-Brier on behalf of British Ski and Snowboard (BSS), Snowsport Scotland and Snowsport England.

More than 20 ski and snowboard athletes were selected onto the GBX squads on the back of the event at the Snow Factor, which is one of only four GBX-recognised selection centres in the United Kingdom.

"The standard of athletes trying out at the event surpassed all our expectations," Gillings-Brier, who has competed at every Winter Olympic Games since making her debut at Turin 2006, said.

"I couldn’t get over how great the venue was and how talented these athletes were - ski and snowboard - they were awesome.

"We definitely have future Olympic contenders within the selected athletes."

The GBX National Trials are being run by Olympic snowboarder Zoe Gillings-Brier
The GBX National Trials are being run by Olympic snowboarder Zoe Gillings-Brier ©Getty Images

The GBX National Trials are taking place throughout the UK this summer with the next event due to take place at the Norfolk Snowsports Club on May 28.

The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead will play host to the third trial on June 5 with Snozone Yorkshire in Leeds set to stage the fourth on June 25.

The series will conclude by returning to the Snow Factor and the Snow Centre on July 9 and September 17 respectively.

"We were really happy to have the first GBX trial here in Scotland," said Ross Gardner, Snowsport Scotland’s national performance manager.

"The set-up from Snow Factor was great with a very high standard of athlete at the event.

"We are looking forward to working with the GBX team and Mitsubishi to host the next event at this location in July."

All ski and snowboard athletes wishing to try out for the GBX squads can book onto the selections by clicking here.

The GBX programme was formed in 2014 by BSS with the aim of strengthening the performance of both disciplines by sharing resources.

Funded by the athletes, it is led by GBX performance manager Dan Brier alongside the head coaches for ski cross and snowboard cross.