Ski Trip 2025: A Resounding Success!

The 2025 Ski Trip to Saalbach, Austria, proved to be another huge success, with all participants enjoying a fantastic, active, and fun packed week!

The annual trip started with a long coach journey accompanied by warm weather and clear sunny skies, which made for a smooth ferry crossing from Dover to Calais. This year's route took a slight detour through Belgium which glimpses of beautiful passing scenery. Spectacular views of the Austrian Alps, the Allianz Arena, the home of FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 to name only a few.

Upon arrival, students quickly settled into the Unterwirt Hotel, where they relaxed in their rooms and the large dining room. The students and staff were pleased to meet the hotel staff, and to learn of heavy snowfall the week before – which ensured good, albeit challenging, snow conditions.

Highly experienced and qualified ski instructors were assigned to our eight groups. Their friendly and outgoing personalities helped them build strong relationships with the students. Under the guidance and expertise of these instructors, all students showed significant improvement in their skiing abilities, including those in the Advanced ski group. Beginner groups progressed to Beginner III and Intermediate/Advanced levels, allowing them to move from the beginner slopes to the main mountain. The Intermediate and Advanced groups took on black runs during a day trip to the challenging slopes of the Kitzteinhorn glacier. Some Beginner groups were able to ski the mountain within the first couple of days, demonstrating good control and technique.

Throughout the trip, all groups enjoyed blue skies and sunny weather at the mid-station. The ski instructors consistently expressed surprise at how quickly the students progressed and improved their skiing technique. This improvement was attributed to the students' effort, commitment, and resilience, as well as the ski lessons at the Chill Factore, before the trip departed.

This year, all ski instructors gave excellent feedback on the students' attitude and commitment to practicing the morning exercises. The lead ski instructor, Philip, said that it was a pleasure to teach them and that he was really impressed with how quickly they progressed. He was also pleased that the week finished without any major injuries.

The ski trip's appeal was not limited to just skiing; it also featured fun evening entertainment activities like a Quiz, Swimming and the popular alpine mountain rollercoaster. The rollercoaster, a self-operated two-seater sleigh on a rail, was a favourite among the students. There was also a talent show, where students’ performances had everyone in hysterics.

“The students never fail to impress the staff with their observation skills, creativity and confidence and had each member of staff in hysterics with their performances. sense of humour and creative side and thoroughly enjoyed the evening activities planned” - Mr Brownsell, Group Leader

"The ski trip was amazing and wholesome. It was even better than I thought it would be." - Year 10 student  

"I have made so many friends." - Year 10 student  

Congratulations to Natalie and Mia, our Skiers of the Week.