Royal School, Armagh

Those fortunate enough to go on the ski trip enjoyed a fantastic week’s skiing during the February half term in Andalo, Italy. The skiing conditions could not have been better with the Italian Dolomites receiving record snow falls. Over two metres of beautiful powder snow greeted us on our arrival to Andalo and this provided the students with comfortable and safe skiing conditions.

On the first morning we collected our ski equipment and, although very tired from the previous day’s travelling, the excitement was building. We were divided into groups depending on ability and off we went, full of enthusiasm to learn new skills and develop existing ones. All students had great fun laughing at each other’s falls as well as admiring their peers who were slightly more advanced. The biggest laughs were, however, saved for the staff with Mr Crute and Mr McCall regularly demonstrating that skis do not always go in the direction that you want them to.

It was pleasing, and almost miraculous in some cases, to see the rapid development of the students. Those who could not even stand on skis on the first day were soon sailing down blue and red slopes with consummate ease.
The fun on the trip was not restricted to the slopes as after a hard day’s skiing, the students were entertained with various activities. These included go-carting on ice, ice-skating, swimming, a disco and quiz.
 
Alas, all too soon the sad day of departure arrived and most of the talk was about returning next year, such had been the enjoyment the students gained from the experience. The trip was a fantastic way to learn new things, make new friends and most importantly to have lots of fun.