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Ski Trip 2002
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/trips/images/ski2002.jpg");)
As 30 apprehensive students stepped onto the coach outside the college entrance there were mixed feelings, some eager to get onto the Swiss Piste, others wondering what they had let themselves in for, the latter applying mainly to the accompanying staff. Verbier is one of the largest resorts in the Alps; part of the Four Valleys area with 300km of sun drenched slopes. Our Chalet was a small traditional affair run by 5 staff from Canada and Australia, they served our every need acting as mini bus drivers to ski and snowboard instructors.
On arrival all equipment hire and accommodation was sorted out and after a lovely evening meal everyone made their way to bed as the snow started to fall outside. The following day we were up early, met by bright sunshine and a superb covering of powder. This, the first day on the slopes went really well, with the beginners finding their ski legs in and around the village nursery slopes. Whereas the more experienced members of the group regained their confidence and were enjoying the perfect skiing weather.
The evening entertainment was varied throughout the week; our hosts arranged activities such as; ice-skating involving a game that resembles ice hockey but with brushes and a ball! We had a night on one of the floodlit slopes with the choice of different snow vehicles, which we tore down the snow on. There was also a disco with another school arranged for us but it seemed that our students were more eager to go into the village to sample the real Swiss nightlife.
The first few days of skiing were equally as perfect as the first and the effects of the sun were starting to appear on peoples faces in strange forms due to the wearing of goggles and sunglasses. A small group of Welbexians had decided to hire out snowboards for the week and they were improving rapidly. The beginners were up on the main slopes by mid-week and the more advanced could be found at the snow park throwing themselves off the top of the jumps, trying in vain to look stylish.
The final day ended with a barbecue on the snow and a race for all the students, some only just made it down the slalom course while other aspiring Alberto Tomba's were taking it really seriously and it became quite competitive.
It was a great week and everyone was disappointed to have to leave, everyone had improved and there was already talk of what may happen next year, whether we return to Verbier or go elsewhere, we are already looking forward to it.
