Ski Trip Day 2
Previous readers of the blog will be familiar with Mr Britten’s packing calamities. The list grows ever longer. Four years ago – no toiletries bag, Cranedale – no water proofs and the ubiquitous purple coat, Normandy – no towel. This year would be different! The suitcase was packed a week in advance. New toiletries were purchased from Tesco. The year 6 reminded Mr Britten about the towel fiasco. “No problem, I’ve packed two this year!” came the confident reply. On arrival at the hotel, Mr Britten was slightly disappointed to find two white towels on his bed along with some complimentary soap. However, the true horror only became apparent when it came time to get ready for skiing. Let’s just hope it’s warm at the top of the mountain for the idiot teacher without a ski jacket!
Breakfast
Breakfast consists of a buffet system where the children can help themselves to a variety of different things. This morning, there was the usual croissants, French bread, cornflakes, pain au chocolate, ham, cheese, yoghurts, fruit and hot dogs!?! All the children ate well and we were soon in the boot room collecting our skis for our first lesson.
The session began with an assessment of the children’s skiing ability. They were then put into groups and went off with their ski instructor and teacher. The lesson was a gentle introduction to the slopes of the resort. The children used a variety of different lifts and skied on a mixture of green and blue runs.
Highlights of the morning session
1. Mr Martindale falling on the flat part of the slope.
2. George skiing magnificently down the mountain but falling on the nursery slope.
3. The weather – bright sunshine, fresh snow, no wind. It is absolutely perfect conditions.
4. The walk to the slope. Last time we took the Salterford children skiing; there was a 1500m walk from the hotel to the main lift. This was done in +14c temperature and thick mud. This year our walk is the equivalent of walking from the music room to the tennis court. It’s even better on the way back – downhill! You can basically ski into the hotel.
Lunch
Pizza, chips and salad. No complaints. Long may it last.
The afternoon session was more challenging and leads to some ridiculous falls. The children went to the very top of the mountain and skied a rainbow course back to the bottom (a little green, blue, red and black).
Highlights of the afternoon session
1. Katie falling in front of Mr Martindale who took evasive action and ended up buried in six foot of snow.
2. George declaring himself “King of the piste” after falling for the tenth time.
3. Annabelle’s delight after skiing a section of a black run.
4. Seeing all the children skiing down the mountain together.
Quotes of the day
Mr Britten “Henry, why are you wearing jeans?”
Henry “I’m saving my ski trousers for later”
Katie “My Mum says that I have to put my gloves on the radiator every day but they’re not wet. What should I do?”
Mrs Martindale “Whose is this (insert any item of clothing, ski gear etc.) ?
All “Jacks”
This evening we have a session of bum boarding followed by a walk around the local town.
