Venturing across Europe, a group of 21 students travelled to the Aosta Valley in Italy for a week of skiing and snowboarding before the Christmas holidays.
Donning their salopettes, ski goggles and helmets, students spent six days on the slopes. For some students, this was their very first experience of skiing. The intensive zero to hero week course taught students the basics of skiing and snowboarding with students advancing to take on the most difficult ski runs.
In the evenings, students took advantage of exciting après-ski events, dancing the night away at a school disco, bowling strikes at a tenpin bowling alley and experiencing home-made Italian pizza at a family-owned restaurant in the town.
“The ski trip was fantastic, even if it was freezing. It was my first real trip away from home and it taught me how to be independent and how to look after all of my stuff securely. I’m already an advanced snowboarder, but I was able to improve my skills on the black runs. My top tip is, if you’re going on a 24-hour coach trip – take a pillow.”
– Joe, Year 11
The Benefits of Residential Trips
Residential trips away provide students with the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and skills outside of the classroom. Placing students in a situation out of the ordinary and giving them the opportunity to travel away from home (often the first time without their parents), gives them room to grow and allows them to experience other cultures and form a well-rounded view of the world.
For first time skiers, ski trips teach students resilience and confidence as they push themselves out of their comfort zone and try new things. Conquering their fears and getting back up again after falls builds students up to become stronger individuals. Celebrating these victories with other students creates a great bond and community spirit within the group.