school ski
trips
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Why go on a
school ski trip?
s
chool ski trips are no longer the preserve of the very wealthy. Nor are they seen these days as just a
holiday for students. For many, they form a key part of the PE curriculum and with the massive improvements
to flight times and local airports, easier access to ski resorts across Europe has opened up a whole world of
possibilities for this growing market.
Unlike some sports on the National
Curriculum, skiing is an ideal activity for
any student group. It’s not a difficult sport
to learn and it relies on technique rather
than strength or fitness.
“Skiing is a great leveller,” says David
Adkins, Director of Communications at
Dulwich College Prep School in South
East London. He has taken a large party of
boys to Obertauern, the highest ski resort
in Austria, for the last four years. “It’s not
just the sporty rugby players who do well.
Very often, boys who are new to the sport,
who may struggle with the traditional P.E.
curriculum, discover a talent for skiing.”
As it is an individual rather than team
sport and has no intrinsic element of
competition, many students who have
previously shown little or no enthusiasm
in sports often discover an unexpected
aptitude and skill for skiing.
“Skiing demands completely unique
physical skills,” says Tanya Drew, Head
of Secondary at Dubai British School, “so
often even students who struggle with
more traditional sports do well on the
slopes. “
The benefits of school ski trips are more
than just physical, as Adkins explains.
“I really do see my students change and
grow up over the week we spend in
Austria. Having to take responsibility
for themselves even if it’s only for a short
time is very good for them.
“Last year we took 47 boys and there
was an excellent pupil to instructor ratio,
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especially for the seven beginners who
all quickly improved enough to be able
to ski with the rest of us directly from
our hotel to the meeting point up on the
slopes. We often stay at the Gottschallalm
not just because the owner - Hannes is very friendly, nothing is too much
trouble, but also because you can’t beat
doorstep skiing. Our ski home at the end
of the day via a track through the woods
is wonderful.
“Everyday the boys had five hours of
instruction - we had five ski instructors
dedicated to our group. After our ski
lessons, there is plenty of time for other
activities. Every day we had a hot lunch
in a mountainside restaurant