Bristol's snowboarding queen Jenny Jones begins her quest to be crowned European slopestyle champion today.

The Fishponds rider is preparing to qualify for the first European Winter X Games in Tignes, France.

Slopestyle is not a timed race but a course involving jumps and rails, where riders are judged on how well they perform various moves.

Jones is ranked second in the world, following three events in America.

The 29-year-old former Filton College student, who lives with her brother in Fishponds, is one of the favourites for the event. She said: "This will be a huge event because it is the first time it is being held in Europe, so all the top girls will be taking part. I was lucky enough to come away with the Gold Medal in the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado, so all the girls will be out to beat me. But I'm in good shape and I feel confident after two days' practice.

"I'm now a full-time snowboarder thanks to the generous sponsorship deals I have. It means I can spend November to May practising and taking part in events across Europe and North America. And it means that in our summer I can continue on glaciers or visit New Zealand for their season." If Jones makes it to the final of the Women's Slopestyle event, ESPN will be covering the event live at 10.30am on Friday.