Ski Blog

THE LAST DAY!

2011-12-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

What an amazing last day skiing! As we arrived at the gondola we were greated by heavy snow fall, in fact it was dumping it down ... hopefully we can bring some home.

All groups competed in a down hill slalom race competition and prizes were awarded at the end of the day by their ski instructors. Jamie (Group3) gave out her prizes and 1st prize went to Adam Hunter for a time of 19.75secs. Holman (Group2) gave out his prizes and 1st prize went to Joe Short. Lars (Group1) gave out his prizes and 1st prize went to Jake Lord. I won't say too much about the staff race but it was won by ME :-) and no, I didn't cheat!

Group 1 skied all the runs on the mountain that were open, including the most difficult one in resort, black 14. Needless to say there were a number of wipeouts, including Alicia hugging a tree and then sliding down on her backside; Megan doing a face-plant off piste and Alicia again being taken out by Jake Lord and then forward rolling down the steepest part of the slope! It had to be the best day's skiing we have ever had!!!

Group 2 worked on their technique on the blue slope, rode the large red slope at speed, then finished off going down the cat-track. In the afternoon they learned how to ride 'switch' by linking turns together, then skied all the way to the top and then skied really fast to the bottom and finished off riding formation, girls versus boys, needless to say the girls won!

Group 3 continued to work on their technique on the main blue slope and get used to skiing in difficult conditions. Once they all got used to it, they were taken on the gondola and up to the red slope where they skied at speed to the bottom.

After our evening meal at the hotel we presented our awards to the pupils:

Tidiest Room - Joe Short & Jake Lord
Laziest Tourist - Adam Coles
Sheeps Head of the week - Kyle Leighton (for whacking on all tour)
Clown of the week - Joshua Hadden
Helper of the week - Rebekah Windsor
Star of the week - Megan Grist (AKA: Miranda Hart)
Superstar of the week - Alice Pritchard
Best Wipeout of the week - Chloe Smith
Airhead of the week - Karla Spellman
Most improved male - Sean Johansen
Most improved female - Katie Johansen

I'd like to take this opportunity to say what a fantastic trip this has been, every pupil has behaved impecably and been a credit to both Newport High and themselves. We expect to be back at the school bus bay tomorrow evening at approximately 6pm but will stop at Leigh Delemare services for pupils to ring home with a definate time.

Have a great Christmas all and see you in the New Year!

BLUE SKY WEDNESDAY

2011-12-14T13:38:00.001-08:00

Today was a bluebird day ... white snow, blue sky and red faces - amazing! All groups made huge progress on their technique. Group 1 ventured over to new territories, as did group 2 & 3. Group 1 instructor (Lars) spent all morning building up the pupils confidence before taking them on 2 black runs in the afternoon. Chloe Smith had fall of the tour ... whilst managing to ski both black runs without a fall, she took a tumble on the nursery slope which resulted in a trip to hospital (see the pics for a close up of Chloe's plastercast!)

Group 2 had the best day's skiing yet, everyone perfected their turns. Group 3 even made it on the red runs!

Awards of the day:
Best skier of the day - Kayleigh Probert (has made excellent progress this week).
Perseverence and blues player of the day - Joshua Hadden (fell over and got up, then fell over again and got up, then fell over AGAIN ... then entertained us with his harmonica through the village)

Winner of tonights Town Trail:
PLASTER MASTERS
Kris Maybry
Alice Pritchard
Chloe Smith
Alicia Redman
Emma Barne

Right, we're off to bed now, so nos da pawb! :-Zzzz

TUESDAY'S AWARDS & APRES SKI

2011-12-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

Tonights awards:

Fall of the day, more like FALLS of the day - Megan Grist (for taking out almost every male member of group 1) Mr Waring felt rather left out therefore he didn't award her a chocolate bar.

Best skier & top tourist in group 1 - Jake Lord (an amazing skier and a pleasure to have on tour).

The 2 best skiers in group 3 - Adam Coles & Lisa Mansfield (for persevering and achieving numerous blue runs).

Tonights apres ski saw us hitting the bowling alley in Saalbach village. 4 teams of 8 competed for a round of applause and the results were:

4th place - The team with no name
3rd place - Toast
2nd place - Connor and Megan's ladies
1st place - The Banter Crew (Joe Short, Lydia Rees, Jake Archer, Jack McDonald, Tyler Keepin, Katie Johansen, Ellis Redman, Ashley Fleming)

Signing off for the night as we are all exhausted and ready for bed.

Nos da pawb :-z

TUESDAY'S CARNAGE ON THE FRESH SNOW

2011-12-13T13:01:00.000-08:00

After a dumping of fresh snow overnight, the slopes were full of powder and ready to be skied ... so we did!
Night all, see you tomorrow x

Zell am Zee links

2011-12-12T12:45:00.001-08:00

As we are now skiing in Zell am Zee, click on the links on the right to access the webcam and the piste map.

MONDAY MADNESS IN ZELL AM ZEE

2011-12-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

Day 3 up in Zell am Zee seen all skiers progress from yesterday. The weather was colder and cloudier than yesterday, so armed with a good breakfast, a snood and extra woolies we all made it up to at least the first lift station. Group 1 attempted their very first black run (not always on their skis!). Group 2, led by our Ozzy instructor were skiing their first red run, all with good pace and technique. Group 3 made a huge improvement on yesterday and are progressing steadily on their parallel turns.

Awards of the day:
Fall of the day - Karla Spellman (for taking out the fencing at the side of the chairlift)
Group 1 skier of the day - Alice Pritchard (attempted her first black run and off piste, followed by wipeout in the deep snow!)
Group 2 skier of the day - Ashley Fleming (for being quiet long enough to listen to the instructor)
Group 3 skier of the day - Emma Barne (made a huge improvement on yesterday and ended the day with a beaming smile)

Tonights apres ski was the best yet ..... we caught the 'Noddy Train' up to the local ice rink - WOOP WOOP - and was entertained by a rendition of YMCA. As we approached the ice rink, it started to dump down with snow ... we soooo can't wait for tomorrows skiing on fresh powder!

Nos da pawb from Austria xxx

MESSAGE FROM ALICE PRITCHARD (AKA - SICKNOTE)

2011-12-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

"Having a great time finally learning to ski after going for 4 years and spending most of it in bed poorly! Loving Austria, Pharmacy looks good - well stocked, just hope I don't need it! See you all soon."

MESSAGE FROM BARNEDOOOOORR (EMMA BARNE)

2011-12-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

"Can finally snowplough and stop without falling over. Very tired, missing home but really enjoying myself. Looking forward to doing the Town Trail and exploring the town and really looking forward to bowling on Wednesday."

SUNSHINE ON A SUNDAY

2011-12-11T10:20:00.001-08:00

Today we skied another resort, we ventured over to Zell am Zee, overlooking the lake. The sun was shining, blue skies and white snow which enabled us to have a fantastic second day of skiing. The top group skiied the highest point on the mountain passed the little Austrian church on the top (where we all prayed for more snow). The second group made it up to the second chair lift and made excellent progress! The third group made it up to the first chairlift and continued to practice their stopping technique.

Awards of the day:
Skier of the day in Group 3: Jamie Butcher (for helping Lisa out in her moment of need).
Skier of the day in Group 2: Ellis Redman (made excellent progress on his parallel turns).
Skier of the day in Group 1: Alicia Redman (not only persevered with her with her troublesome knee but managed to take out the SLOW DOWN sign just before the chair lift - see the pictures for evidence!!)

Tonight we've got a quiz followed by karaoke .... so we are off now to warm up our vocal chords!
Good night all, see you tomorrow :-)

WE'VE ARRIVED!

2011-12-10T10:47:00.001-08:00

After a 2 hour drive to Heathrow, followed by an hour delay and a 3 hour journey from Munich to Saalbach .... we have arrived!
The hotel is lovely, situated a short walk from Saalbach village and the staff are doing their utmost to cater to our every needs. Food has been superb and everyone seems to be enjoying it.
Due to the local ski resort of Saalbach not yet being open, we bussed it up to the glacier at Kaprun. All 3 groups made excellent progress. The top group made their way to the top of the glacier and tackled some rather difficult red runs with only a few falls! The 2 beginner groups worked on their snowploughs and technique. Tomorrow we are skiing in Zell am Zee which has a fantastic skiing area.

Tonights prizes of the day go to:
Fall of the day - Karla Spellman (who somehow managed to face plant on almost every slope we skiied).
Fall of the day2 - Jack Johnson (who managed to got himself caught up in the button lift and almost missed his stop off and ended up in the netting).
Most improved skier of the day - Katie Johansen
Most improved skier of the day2 - Lydia Rees
These 2 girls have never skiied before and managed to master the art of 'stopping' exceptionally well.

Tonight pupils have gone for a walk down the shops to stock up on 'tucker' and then we are all settling down in the lounge to watch 'Chalet Girl's DVD.

So, until tomorrow, "Goodnight all"! Keep your eye out for tomorrow's installment and enjoy the photos. :-)

SNOW IS FORECAST!

2011-11-30T03:47:00.000-08:00

At last, snow is forecast for next Monday and Wednesday :-) Keep doing the snow dance!!!

LAST SKI MEETING

2011-11-30T03:46:00.001-08:00

Our last ski meeting will take place on Wednesday 7th December at 1:05 pm in room C0:24. It's important that you all attend as we have some last minute information to pass on to you.
Miss P

SKI MEETING FRIDAY 18TH NOVEMBER

2011-11-15T05:46:00.000-08:00

There will be a short meeting on Friday 18th November at 1:05pm in room C0:24 to discuss the forthcoming trip. Please ensure you can make it.

LESS THAN 1 MONTH TO GO!

2011-11-15T05:22:00.000-08:00

With less than 1 month to go now, you should have handed in all your passport's, EHIC card's, medical form's and paid for your team hoodie. If any of you still need to get kit, there's still time and plenty of shops are doing some very good deals.

You might want to try the following:

Coyoti - Cowbridge

Helly Hansen - McArthur Glenn, Bridgend

Tog24 - McArthur Glenn, Bridgend

Mountain Warehouse - McArthur Glenn, Bridgend

Billabong - McArthur Glenn, Bridgend

O'Neill - McArthur Glenn, Bridgend

Two Seasons - Cardiff

City Surf - Castle Arcade, Cardiff

The Ski Lodge - Cardiff Bay

FITNESS TRAINING

2011-10-11T01:27:00.000-07:00

Fitness training will take place every Thursday with Miss Watkins in the fitness suite, 3pm-4pm. It's essential that all students improve their leg strength and cardiovascular fitness before we go!

PARENTS EVENING LETTER

2011-10-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Dear parent/carer,

RE: Ski-trip Parents Evening

As there are only 2 months until we go skiing, I am organising a parents evening. This will take place at on Thursday 13th October 2011 in the school staff room from 6pm – 7:15pm.

Coyoti ski shop from Cowbridge will be on hand to advise you on what’s necessary to keep your son or daughter as comfortable and warm on the slopes this winter. If your son/daughter is new to the sport, Coyoti and accompanying members of staff will answer any questions that you may have.

To make life a little easier, Coyoti can offer you the fantastic option of hiring ski-wear at the meeting. Jackets and/or salopettes can all be rented out for your child at a cost that won’t break the bank! After you have chosen the outer-wear, there are just a few essential accessories that you will need to ensure your child is fully protected. These include socks, goggles/sunglasses, gloves, hat, sun-screen … the benefits of which will be talked through at the parents evening. Not only will you discover superb hire clothing and all the essential accessories that your son or daughter will need, you will also have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.

Due to insurance purposes and the health and safety of your child, it is essential that we are informed of any medical conditions and/or food intolerances that your son/daughter may have. Please find enclosed a medical questionnaire that you are required to complete and sign. Furthermore, you will need to ensure your son or daughter has a valid passport with at least 6 months validity before it expires. They will also need to ensure they have an EHIC card (which has replaced the E111 form). Please will you arrange for your son or daughter to bring their passport, completed medical questionnaire and EHIC card to Mrs Lampitt (Finance Assistant) by Friday 14th October 2011.

If you have any further queries or wish to discuss any other issues regarding the ski-trip, please do not hesitate to contact me at school.

Mr Tony Waring
Ski Trip Organiser

Welcome to the new Ski Blog for Saalbach!

2011-10-03T07:36:00.001-07:00

Keep an eye on the ski blog for up to date information about the forthcoming trip to Saalbach!

Travel arrangements

2010-12-18T11:06:00.001-08:00

As you are all probably aware there have been many cancellations and delays at Gatwick airport over the last 48hours. We are constantly monitoring the situation and will update the blog as and when we hear further information. If you are aware of any parents/guardians who do not have access to the blog, then please will you pass on this information.
At present we are leaving the hotel at 3:30am tomorrow and and are flying out of Geneva at 9:30am.
Click here for Gatwick airport news.

Friday's adventures ...

2010-12-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

After the dumping down of snow, Friday's skiing was very 'interesting' to say the least! At times we were skiing through snow up to our waist and many a student had a little 'tumble' :-)
Even though many lifts and runs were closed due to heavy snow, all groups skied.
Unfortunately due to the risk of avalanches we are not able to ski La Sarenne (the 16km run from Pic Blanc) .... gutted! :-(
Tonights apres ski was a huge hit with all the students; we went down to Sharkeys bar for an evening with Right Said Fred (well, not quite .... more like Mr Waring & Paul) on karaoke. Almost all students exercised their vocal chords, especially Abbie Ullah, Emily Merry & Emily Grant. We had everything from The Temptations to Linkin Park; but I think it was Harry Wall & Jake Archer who stole the show with a certain song from South Park ... hysterical!
Photos of tonights activities will be loaded on the blog tomorrow, so keep checking!
Signing out for tonight, so good night all!

FRIDAY MORNING ...

2010-12-17T03:11:00.001-08:00

It's snowing!!!! As forecast, it snowed last night .... the resort is white! We've had at least half a metre and it's still dumping it down .... happy days! ;-)

Thursday's adventures in Alpe D'Huez

2010-12-16T23:50:00.001-08:00

Having not had snow for about a week, the slopes are getting quite compacted and icy ... snow is forecast for tonight so fingers crossed!
All groups have had another great day on the slopes, group 1 have been up to 3060 to see the sights over the valley. In the distance, we could even see the the resort of Les Deux Alpes. Group 2 are still exploring the runs of the second station, tackling the long winding blues whilst working on their technique. Group 3 have been developing their parallel turns on the first station.
Everyone's been working really well on developing their skiing; I think we've got a few potential ski instructors in the making!
Tonight's apres ski activity saw us tackling 'Invertigo', an elevated assault course at the leisure centre. Equipped with a gorgeous hairnet, helmet and special shoes, students climbed netting, rode unicycles and crawled through rope tunnels. Wait until you check out the pictures ... there'll be some great blackmailing opportunities!

Emily Grant's quote ...

2010-12-16T12:07:00.001-08:00

Haha best night last night winding casey up and making her move rooms to her decision!! loved taking everyone out and making kitty fall for the first time! this town is so cute and christmasyy !! loveee you mum !!!! xxxxx

Daniel Hathaway's quote ..

2010-12-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

"Missing everyone at home but having fun out here. I'm not falling over as much now and I'm now learning how to parallel turn. Can't wait to see you!"

Joshua Firth's quote ...

2010-12-15T11:38:00.001-08:00

"The slopes I've been on so far are amazing, I'm having a great time!"

Wednesday's adventures ...

2010-12-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

It's 8pm and we are all chilling out in the hotel lounge, having a pool competition, playing the Wii and getting ready to watch Toy Story 3 .... oh, and watching Azeem sleeping on the sofa!
We've had another amazing day on the slopes; everyone's been up skiing at some point, even Harry has managed to navigate the nursery slopes without kissing snow and hugging the snow-cannon!
Group 1 have been ripping up the red & black slopes from the middle stations and have even been venturing over the next valley of Oz. Group 2 have also ventured up to the middle station and over the valley. Group 3 have finally made it off the beginners slopes and on to the DMC bubble lift to station 1 ... Woop woop!

Tonights awards:
Wipeout of the day - even beating Abbie Ullah's snow cannon kiss yesterday: Jacob McCarthy (check out today's pics for the evidence)
Perseverance of the day - even though she has been feeling poorly with a sore throat: Alice Pritchard
Trier of the day - just getting on with it even when the going got tough: Jack Pearce

Signing out for the evening now, as the movie is about to start ... bon soir/nos da!

Tuesday's adventures ...

2010-12-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

Two day's in and everyone's having a fantastic time! Everyone is up and skiing and progressing really well.

Group 1 being led by Jean Pierre 'Moustache' have been to the middle stations and skiied red and black runs (phewww).
Group 2 being led by Liliane have ventured up their first chair lift and are tackling the rolling blues with ease.
Group 3 being led by Anali have been perfecting their snowplough turns and are starting to learn how to transfer their weight onto the bottom ski.

Today's awards go to:
Best wipeout of the day (the best one ever!) - Abbie Ullah
Clumsy clots of the day (for taking out both Cerys Francis & Jack Buckley) - Sean Johansen
Skiing with ease and progressing really well - Azeem Abbas

We've got an interschool competition going on between our rival Newcastle school in tonight's apres ski activities ... 'Who wants to be a Seanonairre?' and 'Big Break'.... results to follow later!
Signing off now, so bon soir!

Emily Merry's quote ...

2010-12-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

"ZZZZZZZZZZ, so tired and want to go to bed, but having an amazing time and can't stop smiling. Skiing's fun!"

Casey Brooke Mann's quote

2010-12-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

"Everyone's amazing, including Watty and Paul except Parky & Clive (AKA: Waring), they keep winding me up. I love everyone:)"

The 1st Day ...

2010-12-13T10:23:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are sat in the lounge area awaiting our second apres ski activity of the day - Town Trail. All students are being allocated into groups to explore the village and answer a variety of questions. The winning group will get a hot chocolate!
The first activity of ice skating was a roaring success. . .students spent more time on their 'derriere ' than on their feet! After a conga line of Christmas songs we headed to the nearest creperie for a chocolat chaud :-)
And now for the most important bit ... we had a fab day skiing, students progressed really fast and are starting to explore the variety of slopes that this resort offers. The resort is really impressive and the hotel staff have been exceptionally accomodating.

Today's awards:
Group 3 'Smiler of the day' - Kitty Flannelly:
She skied really well, picking up the basics and is sure to progress to a high standard by the end of the week.

Group 2 'Best technique of the day' - Joshua Firth:
He skied really well and showed that prior preparation will ensure he gets the full potential.

Group 1 'Quiet faller of the day' - Cerys Francis:
Having not skied as part of a ski group before, Cerys literally threw herself into the experience and has proven she can fall with the best of them!

We are signing off now but keep an eye on the blog for an update of pics and messages off your little darlings :-) Bon Soir!

We have arrived!

2010-12-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

After an ardous journey crossing the Swiss border and climbing up the French Alpes - 21 bends, all of which are on the highest point of the Tour De France - we have arrived!
All pupils behaved impeccably through the check-in at Gatwick, getting on and off the flight and on the bus journey.
Rooms have been allocated, we've been fed and watered (twice) and pupils are now having some 'free time' and settling down to watch X-Factor - come on Rebecca!
Conditions are good, snow is compact and the sun is forecast to shine; so it's plenty of sun lotion for our first day on the slopes tomorrow.
We are signing off now, so a bientot bon nuit!
Ps: don't forget to check out our piccies :-)

1 MORE DAY ...

2010-12-11T03:28:00.000-08:00

See you all at 2am Sunday morning in the school bus bay!

Don't forget, you are not allowed any more than 20kgs in your main luggage and 5kgs in your hand luggage. The maximum of 100ml of liquid rule still applies to your hand luggage and any liquids that you carry must be placed in a clear bag.

Any last minute questions, email me ...

LUGGAGE LABELS

2010-12-07T04:52:00.000-08:00

Could all pupils who are going on this year's ski trip come and see me to collect a luggage label and a Key Fact Insurance document.
Miss Parkhouse

NEXT YEAR'S SKI TRIP

2010-12-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Next year's trip to Saalbach, Austria has been approved and the letters are available. If you wish to go please see Miss Parkhouse for a letter (room F1:01). There are 40 places available and they are on a first come basis.
Please note that if you are unable to bring in the £80 deposit before Christmas, then you can secure your place with as little as £20 and pay the remainder after Christmas!
Click here to see a copy of the letter.

PHOTOGRAPHS

2010-11-29T06:12:00.000-08:00

Check out how we are getting on each day by clicking this link!

UPDATED PICK UP TIMES

2010-11-23T06:54:00.001-08:00

I have just been notified that we are being picked up from the school bus bay:
Sunday 12th December 02:15am

And being dropped off:
Sunday 19th December 14:15pm

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me on cp@newporthigh.co.uk

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

2010-10-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

20 kg is the limit for 1 bag of checked luggage.

The hand luggage is restricted to:
(You are allowed one piece of hand baggage plus a laptop or handbag. Please see below for sizes)

- Your main piece of hand baggage is up to the dimensions 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in), including the handle, pockets and wheels.

- Your bag must fit into the bag gauge, available at the check-in area.

- Musical instruments may be carried in addition to your stated hand baggage allowance, providing the dimensions do not exceed those of a guitar and providing it can be security screened.

- Your laptop or handbag is up to the dimensions 45cm x 36cm x 20cm (18in x 14in x 8in), including the handle and pockets.

- Your laptop or handbag must fit under the seat in front of you.

Please see the following link if you need further information: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/baggag/public/en_gb

ROW 'N' RIDE PICS

2010-10-08T06:55:00.001-07:00

At last ... here are some pics from our row 'n' ride event!

PROVISIONAL FLIGHT TIMES FOR ALPE D'HUEZ

2010-10-04T02:54:00.000-07:00

Our provisional flight times for this year's trip to Alpe D'Huez:

12/12/10 - Gatwick 07:40 Geneva 10:20
19/12/10 - Geneva 09:30 Gatwick 10:10

We are flying with British Airways.

If these change I will inform you as soon as possible.

SKI TRIP 2011

2010-09-30T07:38:00.001-07:00

ROW'N'RIDE

2010-09-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well done to everyone who attended tonight's row'n'ride! I'm sure you'll agree with me in saying it was a huge success with everyone succeeding in either rowing or cycling a mile. We have now made it all across the Bristol channel and back.
Watch this space for the evidence!

Don't forget to hand in your sponser money!!!

ROW 'N' RIDE THE ENGLISH CHANNEL

2010-09-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

The sponsored row 'n' ride will take place Wednesday 29th September in the multi-gym & astroturf at 3pm - 4:30pm. If you haven't had your induction in the gym then you will do your mile on a bike around the astro-turf with Mr Waring.

Remember ... it's French Stylee, so red, white & blue clothing; wear your beret and a garland of onions!

Fitness Training Schedule

2010-09-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays

Wednesday 22nd September (3-4pm): Inductions in the school gym (all pupils who are 14yrs & above MUST attend). You must have an induction before you can use the gym, so therefore be able to undertake the sponsored row ‘n’ ride. If you are under 14 then you will do the row ‘n’ ride on a bicycle around the Astroturf, as you are not insured to use the multi-gym.

Wednesday 29th September (3-4pm): Sponsored Row ‘N’ Ride to take place in school multi-gym & Astroturf. Anybody who doesn’t complete their mile will do it the following week.

Tuesdays/Thursdays

Thursday 23rd September (12:30-1pm) onwards: Ski specific fitness training with Mr Waring in the Dance Studio.

Tuesdays & Thursdays (3-4pm): Ski specific fitness training with Earl in the multi-gym.

All pupils must attend the sponsored Row ‘n’ Ride.
All pupils must attend at least 1 fitness session a week.

Amendment to Parents Evening

2010-09-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

Below is acopy of the letter sent out to parents/carers to notify them about the amendment to parents evening:

Dear parent/carer,

RE: Change to Ski-trip Parents Evening & resort

I am writing to inform you of some important changes to the forthcoming ski trip and parents evening. Unfortunately, due to a clash with Awards evening, the parents evening will take place at on Thursday 21st October 2010 in the staff room from 6pm – 7:15pm. As previously notified, Coyoti ski shop from Cowbridge will be on hand to advise you on what’s necessary to keep your son or daughter as comfortable and warm on the slopes this winter. If your son/daughter is new to the sport, Coyoti and accompanying members of staff will answer any questions that you may have.

As the hotel Plein Sud in Valloire will no longer be opening on the first week of the ski-season, Skibound have upgraded us free of charge to their Club Hotel Belle-Aurore in Alpe D’Huez. Alpe D’Huez has one of the largest skiing areas in France and is a far more expensive and snow-sure resort. So it seems like we’ve landed on our feet! I trust that this causes no inconvenience.
Below is the link to the hotel:

http://www.skibound.co.uk/destination/france/alpe-dhuez/clubhotel-belle-aurore

Due to insurance purposes and the health and safety of your child, it is essential that we are informed of any medical conditions and/or food intolerances that your son/daughter may have. Please find enclosed a medical questionnaire that you are required to complete and sign. Furthermore, you will need to ensure your son or daughter has a valid passport with at least 6 months validity before it expires. They will also need to ensure they have an EHIC card (which has replaced the E111 form). Please will you arrange for your son or daughter to bring their passport, completed medical questionnaire and EHIC card to Mrs S. Lampitt (Finance Assistant) by Friday 29th September. If you are travelling abroad after that date and need to keep hold of the passport, then can you please provide us with the passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, Country of residence & Country of issue.

If you have any further queries or wish to discuss any other issues regarding the ski-trip, please do not hesitate to contact me at school.

Claire Parkhouse
Ski-Trip Organiser

Fitness For Skiing

2010-09-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Fitness exercises for skiing, should not be ignored, as skiing is for most people a recreational sport that they participate in once a year. For this reason most individuals are poorly conditioned prior to their skiing activity, and pay the price of sore muscles, reduced time on the slopes and injury.
Click here for exercises to help you achieve ski fitness.

Proposed Apres Ski Activities

2010-09-22T08:15:00.001-07:00

DAY DATE ACTIVITY
Sunday 12th Dec Ski-fit
Monday 13th Dec Town Trail
Tuesday 14th Dec Ice Skating
Wednesday 15th Dec Movie Night
Thursday 16th Dec Karaoke
Friday 17th Dec To be confirmed upon arrival
Saturday 18th Dec Presentation Evening & Quiz

Items You May Need!

2010-09-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

• Jacket and salopettes (trousers): a weatherproof outer layer of jacket and trousers provides the best defence against the element.
• Ski gloves: these are a must, especially for novices whose hands come into frequent contact with the snow.
• A warm, comfortable hat: with 25% of your body heat escaping through your head, it’s a crucial piece of ski clothing.
• Sunglasses: the sun’s rays are reflected off the snow, so full UV protection is essential.
• Goggles: they are optional, but in snowy or overcast conditions goggles may be necessary.
• Thermal underwear: these need to ‘wick’ away body moisture to help keep the body dry which reduces the chances of becoming chilled.
• Thermal socks: it is recommended that you take at least 2 pairs of socks they can be alternated every day.
• Suncream and lipsalve: protection against sun burn is essential as the sun’s strength at high altitude is very strong.
• Ski ties: a pair of Velcro ties can make your life alot easier. They hold skies together when carrying or storing. You can write your name on them to identify your hired skis.
• Snow boots/après ski boots or shoes: these should have grips on the soles.
• Cotton/microfleece/polo neck top: these form your second layer and keep your neck warm. Cotton and fleece are used as they help to absorb moisture.
• Fleece or sweatshirt: used for additional warmth. Fleece is used more often as it is light and has excellent thermal properties.
• Small rucksack: Especially useful if out on the slopes all day. Ideal for carrying spare clothing, packed lunches and cameras.
• Pocket money: no more than £130 put into separate envelopes for each day. Please remember to put name and day on each envelope and given to Ms Watkins.
• 50E room deposit: also placed in envelope with name on and given to Ms Watkins.
• Towels
• Medication/pain relief/plasters
• European adapter if wishing to use electrical goods.
• Hairdryer / straighteners

*Camera/MP3 player/Mobile Phones at own risk*