2011 Ski Trip Blog

Sunday

An early start with the bus due to leave at 6:00 meant that most of the students got to see what Sunday morning looked like! It was a long trip down taking approximately ten hours. However it didn’t seem too long as we got to catch up on a few DVD's and managed to stop at the services a few times. We arrived at just after 16:00 and after unpacking went out for a quick look around before our evening meal and a well received lights out at 21:15

Monday

Breakfast at 8:00 and off to the cable car to meet up with our new best friends the instructors. We were split into four groups and fitted out with our new kit. Massive boots that are hard to walk in and crash helmets to protect us from the inevitable day one wipe-outs. The morning was spent getting rid of the cobwebs for some and learning a new skill for others. By the afternoon without exception everyone was able to get down the slopes to some degree and some were flying off down the red runs. We finished at 15:00 with a quick trip to the local shop on the way home. Then got a quick shower before dinner again and finished off the day with Mr Martin's quiz.

Tuesday

The morning arrived we bounce out of bed. This is partly due to the proximity of the village church and its tradition of calling people to prayer at 6:00. Everyone gets a hearty breakfast to replace all the energy burned off yesterday but a few students have gone down with a bug and asked to sit out today in the alpine cafe. For most it’s just a few acing muscles that we didn’t know we had. After a good morning of instruction a few of us have been changed groups to levels that match our ability. After skiing was head out to the bowling alley which was well received, but no one was able to get a strike on the 9 pin Austrian version. Then it was back to the hotel for our evening meal of spaghetti bolognaise and finish off the quiz with the instructor Smudge’s team wining but two points.

Wednesday

Today was a good day. Today was the day that everything seemed to fall into place, when the things the instructors told us started to work. Although falling over was not a thing of the past it was smiles all round. It was a good job as well as Thursday would herald race day! Each group was given lessons in the morning and then got to choose our group routes in the afternoon, with the emphasis on fun. Our evening meal was brought forward to allow for a swimming trip but there was still time for the daily awards of ski god (most improved) and duck of the day for (best crash), there was a lot of competition for both.

Thursday

Today was race day. After a brief warm up of a couple of gentle runs each group was called forward to complete a timed run of a slalom course. The result of first, second and third in each group was for the beginner group one Leon, Hannah and Ben. For beginner group two Aaron, Joseph and Justin. For the intermediate group it was Dan, Rebecca and Becky the finally for the for the advance group it was Linus, Sian and Emily. No one fell and Dan was fastest overall. Medals were presented in the evening and everyone received a ski certificate.

Friday

Our last day skiing saw the first clouds in the sky but we have had fantastic weather all week. Even the beginner group was making their way down the red slopes today. We finished at 15:00 and were a little sad to return our ski’s and boots knowing that our adventure was nearly over. We say a fond farewell to our instructors knowing that they have worked wonders with us and head back to the hotel to shower and write up our diaries. Then it was time to pack our stuff as we have an early start in the morning followed by our final evening meal. It’s been a great week and we have all got something from it but I for one will be glad to be home again.