Snow Leopard now training at Italy's Val Di Fiemme

Kwame Nkrumah Acheampong, a.k.a. Snow Leopard, has switched his training from his indoor location at Hemel Hempstead’s Snow Centre to Val Di Fiemme, in Trentino, Italy.
This is the fourth season that the African skier has based himself in this perfect location that has already seen him qualify for the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010.
The ski resort of Pampeago in Val Di Fiemme sits at 1750m (5740ft) above sea level and morning training runs leave most training skiers gasping for air. Once on the slopes Acheampong is at home, honing his technique and race speed, and continuing his interesting story. Acheampong is expected to be the first person from Ghana to take part in the Winter Olympics.
Of course for Acheampong, qualification is only part of the dream, he now aims to compete well against his peers.
With less than two months to go until the Olympics, every day and every minute is vital in race preparation. Unlike the bigger teams from larger nations with coaches, medical staff and considerable funding, the Acheampong has achieved almost all of his incredible journey without these resources. For instance, he and his manager Richard Harpham drove from the United Kingdom to Italy with his van loaded with ski racing equipment. The ride was practically non-stop, with them both taking shifts behind the wheel. The next day they were out on the hills acclimatising to the altitude and the conditions.
In Pampeago and Val di Fiemme ‘Kwame the underdog Olympian’ has already become a local hero and legend. People are genuinely pleased to see him and equally delighted to hear that he has achieved part of his dream in qualifying for the Olympics. The locals feel part of that journey having watched him grow from a relative novice to an Olympic ski racer.
The resort itself is a picture postcard and idyllic winter sports setting with the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed Dolomite mountains providing a beautiful backdrop and great slopes. It is also a centre of ski racing excellence and often hosts ski racing teams such as Canada, Italy and Argentina.