We had an excellent journey to Italy. Despite it being one of the busiest travelling weekends of the year, we were blessed with little traffic and arrived in Italy as dawn broke and were in the hotel by 08.30! As a result, we had our ski equipment, ski passes and were all installed in our rooms before lunch, leaving the afternoon to recuperate after the journey. It had not snowed for some time in the resort and there had been over two weeks of unbroken sunshine prior to our arrival – which resulted in a couple of the lowest beginners slopes being shut. However, due to the good overall standard of our novice skiers, this presented little problems and they very soon progressed up the mountain.

 

The higher slopes were all in excellent condition and provided some superb skiing for all. For those of us used to the mountain being covered in snow, it made a bizarre backdrop to see bare mountain with just snow covered ski runs. Afternoon skiing tended to be heavier, which is not unusual for Easter.

 

It snowed heavily overnight midweek, which replenished all the slopes with a healthy new covering. The advanced skiers had an excellent afternoon in the new snow on the glacier. The fierce sunshine soon melted the top layer but again did not affect the variety of skiing on offer. The only issue was not being able to ski from our hotel down to the glacier bubble lift. Some found this gentle amble a test for their endurance! - Jamie and Brian kindly gave us all a lift in the coach on several occasions.

 

The quality of instruction offered by the local ski school was as high as ever. Some of the boys particularly appreciated their female instructor, Diana…It is a testament to their skill and expertise that we were blessed with only minor injuries despite difficult afternoon conditions, when other school groups seemed to have a variety of more serious problems, keeping the medical centre busy.

 

The behaviour of our students was exemplary throughout the week, both in the Hotel and on the slopes. We made full use of all the facilities in the hotel, from swimming to the busy nightclub. Evening activities were varied, the highlight for many not being the Champions League, but the defeat over 2 tightly contested legs of myself and Mr Taylor in the table football competition. We were robbed. The humour and character of our students was ever present. Most accepted the awarding of comedy hats or jackets (for various dubious reasons) in the spirit in which they were given - apart from Mr Taylor who is still contesting his; the downside of democracy perhaps..

 

With many ski resorts all over Europe closed due to lack of snow, we were very fortunate to have such good conditions. This vindicates our decision to both ski at that time of the season and to stick with our choice of Passo Tonale as a resort. All aspects of the Hotel lived up to our expectations as ever. No student complaints regarding food speaks volumes..!

Our journey home was as comfortable as the outward trip. The only disappointment was the unavailability of the promised McDonalds in Switzerland (the service station tunnel was closed). For some this was devastating; most of us managed with a snack at the next stop..!

 

I must thank as ever our two drivers, Jamie and Brian whose enthusiasm and professionalism was as evident as ever. Mrs Gibbard did a fantastic job in filling in for Mrs Gardner at such short notice and Mr Taylor kept us all entertained with his banter throughout the trip.

 

We hope the students have taken many happy memories and rich learning experiences back with them from our week in Italy.

 

Paul Edwards & Anne Gardner 
Community Ski Trip coordinators

April 2013