Ski Trip
'03
Comments on the ski trip include that it was “a memorable
experience”, “brilliant” and “I’d like to go back next year”.
There were many great views; the instructors were more than
helpful, the weather was great throughout. More importantly the
snow was great, maybe a little icy in darker corners early in the
mornings when Mr. Mac took the ‘skiers’ out before lessons most
mornings. However, by the time beginners reached the slopes the
snow was ideal for them. Beginners progressed gradually from blue
nursery slopes up to some red slopes. Skiers from last year and
before were delighted to make it down a black slope at the top of Ehrwald Alm, Hannah McKechnie and Jason Thong in particular. Ms.
Storey was disappointed to miss out on that one.
The
staff in the hotel were all very nice, especially Branca the
waitress and Eddie the Chef. The food went down a treat and better
still, it stayed down.
Megan
Reilly Form I Q we are told kept the group entertained at many
times during the trip. The staff Mr. Sutton, Ms. Storey, Mrs.
Breen and Mr. McCrohan organised a full programme of après ski
activities. There was bum-boarding/major snow fight on first
night, followed on Monday night by a very exciting ski show with
an amazing finale of fire-works. On Tuesday night, they went
swimming in the hotel down the road. The pool was small with a
‘cool’ waterfall in the corner.
They
were meant to go ice-skating on Wednesday night, but it was closed
due to weather conditions. Temperatures rose slightly melting the
ice rink into a puddle and softening snow a little. Given the
option to have a quiz night instead, the group opted for a lazy
night in: playing music, chatting, watching videos and bonding.
On the
second last night they went to the local Musik Café to listen to a
repertoire of songs from the Eggman’s Gift; a band comprised of
ski instructors. Kiernan McMullan IV N joined in towards the end
playing once more with Umberto, his ski instructor of last year.
Well done, Kiernan.
On the
last night, a hilarious talent show started the night, with Áine
McGrath, Abby Ryan and Amy Carroll winning. Emma Corbett who was
excellent on the guitar was piped and came second. Damien O’Mahony
and Peter Bagnell came in third place with some witty and very
entertaining Limericks. Later on that night, perhaps the highlight
of the trip, they headed to a disco at the Rustika in Lermoos.
As
Saturday morning dawned, bags were packed which drooped spirits a
little. Since the flight departure was late it was opted to take
in a day trip to Munich where some shopped, others saw some sights
and rugby fans saw the Irish beat the French (Sorry Ms. Julieron,
better luck next time!). They arrived in Dublin and took a
Martins’ coach arriving in Limerick just after 1 a.m. On the way
from the airport most people slept soundly.
We
hear that plans are under way for Next Year’s Ski Trip. The Ziller
Valley, Austria is the likely destination. Again this is open to
all students in the School and will be formally launched during
next week. Keep an eye on http://www.villiers-school.com/skiing/
for developments and further information.
Seán
Keane IVM
Check
out a
webcam from Ehrwald and many
more from other resorts in Austria.
Ski Trip '02
Photos
2002
A Thorough and Absorbing Diary of the Ski
Trip by Shane Sibbel
Article
On
March the 16th at 3:00 in the morning, forty students and four
brave teachers all got on a bus from Villiers School to Dublin
to start their ski-trip 2002. We left Dublin airport at 9:00 and
later on arrived at Salzburg airport. From there we took a bus
to reach our final destination in Ehrwald.
After
getting the skis and boots, I think everyone couldn't wait to
put them on and get to the slopes. People were put into different
groups according to how experienced they were in skiing. There
were a lot of beginners but after a few days they were flying
down the slopes (literally!)! Nearly all the girls were delighted
when they first met their ski-instructers (especially Alannah
King!).
The
experienced ski group also had a great time on small snow- blades
for a day instead of their usual skis. From skiing in three different
resorts through the whole week (one including the highest mountain
in Germany), all you heard back at the hotel was the buzz of conversation
while drinking our delicious Austrian hot-chocolates!
It
wasn't just the skiing that was great fun. Every night, when everyone
had freshened up after skiing, there was a different activity
awaiting us. For example, one night the talent-show was held in
the hotel where Sarah Hamersley, Catherine Owczarski and Jane
Hedigan held a radio station of their own "Galtee FM"!
Though all the talents were very good and VERY entertaining, Kiernan
McMullen stole the show by performing a song which he wrote himself.
Another night we went to Ehrwald to see one of our ski instructors
perform in a band. There was also a table quiz, swimming and a
visit to an après ski. During the middle of the week we
all had fun, having cake in celebration of Shane's sweet sixteenth
birthday (not to mention his sixteen kisses!).
With
unbelievable skiing and great activities, no one wanted to go
home at the end of the week, but sadly we had to! A BIG THANKS
to Mr. Sutton, Mrs. Breen, Mr. McCrohan and Ms. Storey.
By
Hollie Lawlor II P
