Ski Trip 2018/19

Our day of departure brought with it a great deal of excitement and anticipation for the week to come.

28 students were greeted by our team of enthusiastic teachers who made sure everyone was prepared for the trip ahead. With a diverse group of abilities ranging from complete beginners to advanced skiers the week was sure to display a variety of progress and new skills.

After an 18 hour overnight coach journey filled with a selection of different methods of entertainment, we arrived in the mesmerising Aosta valley. Greeted by our wonderful ski rep, James, we were whisked through ski hire and sent off to settle into our hotel, Col Serena. Many of us appreciated the comfort of the rooms and views from the balconies that the hotel offered.

After a great deal more sleep than the night before, we awoke to the knock of teachers and a freshly prepared breakfast by our hotelier. The anticipation of many who had never skied before was audible as they waited to see what was to come. Having picked up our rentals, we began the daily 20 min gondola ride up through the mountains. The highly scenic route offered a great opportunity for discussion of what was to come and what had been already.

All of the instructors who took our school were incredibly animated and attentive to the needs of those in their groups and easily adjusted to get the best out of everyone they taught. Many a tale was told at the end of each day of people taking a tumble or falling as they got off the chair lifts, with the achievements of the day following shortly after. Many of us were able to conquer our fears and overcome the slightly icy conditions that were present in Pila that week. However, with many a hot chocolate as encouragement everyone managed to become ‘practically’ professional with parallel turns being witnessed from the bottom of the mountain to the top. By the end of the week, everyone had progressed a huge amount with evidence of increased confidence and achievement in the form of certificates and badges.

Our comfort zones were not only pushed during the day but during Après Ski activities as well when we were encouraged to try local cuisines and some more physical activities like ice skating. The competitive sides of both teachers and students were exposed in a riveting Italian themed quiz, deftly hosted by James, our ski rep. All of the activities were a welcome relaxation after a slightly hectic day skiing.

We would like to thank the amazing team at Interski for their hospitality and insurance of our safety and enjoyment, especially to James who coordinated our entire stay in Valle d’Aosta and consistently brightened up our days with his positive attitude and enthusiasm. As well as that, if it was not for the incredible teachers that pushed us to accomplish the best we could do, this trip would not have been possible. We would also like to give a special mention to the drivers who put up with us for two 18 hour journeys as well as going to and from the ski resort every day. Lastly, a huge thanks to Luigi, the hotel owner, who welcomed us into his home and broadened our taste buds with his authentic Italian cuisine.

Alex, Lucy and Serena (Y10)