Folgaria, Italy Ski Trip 2011
During the February half-term break, a party of sixty two, somewhat reduced in number through unfortunate illness and injury to a few who had planned to travel, departed in the early hours of Sunday morning. This proved to be a big surprise to two of our party who had decided that they were travelling the following day! Amazing what can be done in a few minutes when it really matters.
Fortunately, the new motorway and light traffic ensured no further complications as the group were in good time to check in for the flight to Milan and, without delays, made their way to Folgaria and the Miramonti Hotel. There were several things to be attended to on arrival, not least the all important ski fit. It was great to get this sorted on arrival as it made life much easier the following day when the real business began.
A good sized group of snowboarders, two groups of people who had skied before and two groups of beginners accounted for the five instructors assigned to the party. At nine o clock on Monday morning these instructors were introduced to the challenge that lay ahead of them for the coming week. Fondo Grande, where the group was based for skiing has a really good nursery slope to ease the beginners into the world of skiing and plenty of sweat and effort was put in by our students over the first few days. Meanwhile, the experienced groups travelled at various speeds around the slopes in a variable but at times, quite thick fog.
The progress made by the beginners' groups was evidenced by their quick promotion to the chair lifts which opened up the whole area as they began to travel more confidently. This coincided with the emergence of the sun which shone brightly on the resort for the remainder of the week. While a cold breeze accompanied the clear skies on Wednesday, the rest of the week saw beautiful weather and good conditions prevail.
All groups had ski lessons in the morning and afternoon each day. Lunch and some supervised skiing for the keen ones looked after the days quite easily. Evening time saw enough of a break for all to enjoy the quaint village of Folgaria. Our evening meal in the hotel started off as a bit of a disappointment but, after intervention by the staff of both school groups who were in the hotel, improved immeasurably with the introduction of a generous and varied salad bar to supplement the courses.
Apres Ski activities ensured that the group was occupied after dinner. Everyone was involved in a fun table quiz where one team consisted of four bus drivers from Birmingham who were very disappointed to finish fifth! The group enjoyed a swim after our second day on the mountain - a great balm for tired muscles. A visit to the cinema was a physically relaxing evening even if some mental exertion was required to sort out the story of Inception. Skating is always an activity to be enjoyed on ski trips even if it causes some anxiety among the staff. Happy to say, everyone enjoyed themselves on the ice without mishap and retired to bed in good shape to ski the following day. The local disco enjoyed the energy of several school groups on Friday night while Saturday saw a presentation of certificates, and medals from the slalom race of Thursday afternoon, to the group by the instructors. Walter(the Handsome Favourite), Giandominico (the Leader) and Enrico (the Exceptional Snowborder) attended while Stefano (who wants to send his children to Villiers) was away in Verona and Erico did not show (we wonder why?). Later, the group put on an amazing talent show which was enjoyed by all, including a good number of hotel staff and guests.
An early start the next morning signalled the start of the long trek home. Tired but happy, the group were deposited outside school at five on Sunday evening, no doubt energised by the thought of entering the gates the following morning for the resumption of studies!
There are many reasons for feeling that this had been an exceptional trip. A virtually accident free week where the only doctor's visit was precautionary and even minor bumps and bruises were minimal, the great snow conditions, the weather, the nature of the skiing in Folgaria which allows everyone a sense of achievement in travelling the area, but most of all for the responsiveness and good humour of all the students involved. They were a great touring group and for all the parents/guardians reading this short report they have done their school, their families and, most importantly, themselves proud.
It is great to travel with such a dedicated team of staff also. They proved again to be tireless and exceptionally generous with their time and energies and have contributed in a huge way to make the tour what it is, and certainly to what has been a fantastic experience for all in Folgaria this year.
Destination 2012?????? All will be revealed soon! Thank you, to all involved.
During the February half-term break, a party of sixty two, somewhat reduced in number through unfortunate illness and injury to a few who had planned to travel, departed in the early hours of Sunday morning. This proved to be a big surprise to two of our party who had decided that they were travelling the following day! Amazing what can be done in a few minutes when it really matters.
Fortunately, the new motorway and light traffic ensured no further complications as the group were in good time to check in for the flight to Milan and, without delays, made their way to Folgaria and the Miramonti Hotel. There were several things to be attended to on arrival, not least the all important ski fit. It was great to get this sorted on arrival as it made life much easier the following day when the real business began.
A good sized group of snowboarders, two groups of people who had skied before and two groups of beginners accounted for the five instructors assigned to the party. At nine o clock on Monday morning these instructors were introduced to the challenge that lay ahead of them for the coming week. Fondo Grande, where the group was based for skiing has a really good nursery slope to ease the beginners into the world of skiing and plenty of sweat and effort was put in by our students over the first few days. Meanwhile, the experienced groups travelled at various speeds around the slopes in a variable but at times, quite thick fog.
The progress made by the beginners' groups was evidenced by their quick promotion to the chair lifts which opened up the whole area as they began to travel more confidently. This coincided with the emergence of the sun which shone brightly on the resort for the remainder of the week. While a cold breeze accompanied the clear skies on Wednesday, the rest of the week saw beautiful weather and good conditions prevail.
All groups had ski lessons in the morning and afternoon each day. Lunch and some supervised skiing for the keen ones looked after the days quite easily. Evening time saw enough of a break for all to enjoy the quaint village of Folgaria. Our evening meal in the hotel started off as a bit of a disappointment but, after intervention by the staff of both school groups who were in the hotel, improved immeasurably with the introduction of a generous and varied salad bar to supplement the courses.
Apres Ski activities ensured that the group was occupied after dinner. Everyone was involved in a fun table quiz where one team consisted of four bus drivers from Birmingham who were very disappointed to finish fifth! The group enjoyed a swim after our second day on the mountain - a great balm for tired muscles. A visit to the cinema was a physically relaxing evening even if some mental exertion was required to sort out the story of Inception. Skating is always an activity to be enjoyed on ski trips even if it causes some anxiety among the staff. Happy to say, everyone enjoyed themselves on the ice without mishap and retired to bed in good shape to ski the following day. The local disco enjoyed the energy of several school groups on Friday night while Saturday saw a presentation of certificates, and medals from the slalom race of Thursday afternoon, to the group by the instructors. Walter(the Handsome Favourite), Giandominico (the Leader) and Enrico (the Exceptional Snowborder) attended while Stefano (who wants to send his children to Villiers) was away in Verona and Erico did not show (we wonder why?). Later, the group put on an amazing talent show which was enjoyed by all, including a good number of hotel staff and guests.
An early start the next morning signalled the start of the long trek home. Tired but happy, the group were deposited outside school at five on Sunday evening, no doubt energised by the thought of entering the gates the following morning for the resumption of studies!
There are many reasons for feeling that this had been an exceptional trip. A virtually accident free week where the only doctor's visit was precautionary and even minor bumps and bruises were minimal, the great snow conditions, the weather, the nature of the skiing in Folgaria which allows everyone a sense of achievement in travelling the area, but most of all for the responsiveness and good humour of all the students involved. They were a great touring group and for all the parents/guardians reading this short report they have done their school, their families and, most importantly, themselves proud.
It is great to travel with such a dedicated team of staff also. They proved again to be tireless and exceptionally generous with their time and energies and have contributed in a huge way to make the tour what it is, and certainly to what has been a fantastic experience for all in Folgaria this year.
Destination 2012?????? All will be revealed soon! Thank you, to all involved.
click on photos to enlarge
French Trip Preview March 2011
On the 15th March, about 30 students, ranging from 3rd years to 5th years, are heading off to Paris on a school trip, where they will be staying in a hotel in the city. Three teachers will accompany the trip - Ms. Howell, Ms. McQuade and Ms. Sirr. Throughout the course of the trip, the group will be going to see many of the sites in Paris and of course, speaking French. The sites will include going to see the Eiffel Tower, visiting L'arc De Triomphe, going down the River Seine by boat and many more. Included in this will be of course, the ever-popular, Disneyland Paris. Everyone who is going on this trip is very excited and we wish them well for their time in Paris.
Photos to follow
Samantha Shorten - Form 4
On the 15th March, about 30 students, ranging from 3rd years to 5th years, are heading off to Paris on a school trip, where they will be staying in a hotel in the city. Three teachers will accompany the trip - Ms. Howell, Ms. McQuade and Ms. Sirr. Throughout the course of the trip, the group will be going to see many of the sites in Paris and of course, speaking French. The sites will include going to see the Eiffel Tower, visiting L'arc De Triomphe, going down the River Seine by boat and many more. Included in this will be of course, the ever-popular, Disneyland Paris. Everyone who is going on this trip is very excited and we wish them well for their time in Paris.
Photos to follow
Samantha Shorten - Form 4