In the first week of January, 38 students from Years 7 to 11 and four members of staff took part in a very successful ski trip to Alpe d’Huez in France. We stayed in a picturesque and luxurious hotel right on the slopes. The hotel rooms were lovely, with some being spread over two floors, and with a TV in each room we even had the chance to practise our understanding of French. The hotel pool, sauna and jacuzzi were well used by the younger members of the group and Mr Hill was the resident lifeguard!

We had mixed weather during the week and although the snow conditions were not as good as in previous years we still managed to ski all day every day. We had some gloriously sunny days at the beginning of the week but towards the end of the week the snow was getting a bit slushy, which is quite unusual for this time of year. The ski teachers were very good and everybody showed a great improvement in technique during the week. There were virtually no queues for the lifts which meant that everyone could enjoy the maximum amount of time on the pistes.

Six students preferred to ‘board’ and they had their own snowboard group. Even though most of these were only beginners they managed some rails and jumps by the end of the week.

The food during the week was generally good, with plenty of healthy salad at lunchtime and a luxurious buffet breakfast. The highlight for most students, however, was the chance to make their own crepes each day when they returned from skiing.

We enjoyed some great après ski activities during the week, from a quiz night to ice skating and pizzas in the picturesque village of Alpe d’Huez. Overall a great time was had by everybody.