At 4pm on 16 December, 42 pupils from Years 7 to 9 and six staff departed St John’s for the Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps. c

As soon as the group arrived, everyone was whisked off to be fitted with the ski equipment they would be using for the week; skis, poles, helmets and the dreaded uncomfortable boots! It was then off to what was to be home for the week, the Hotel, Casale, where everyone had the chance to relax, unpack and prepare for the week ahead.

Day one of skiing arrived with early start – leaving the hotel at 7:30am! Skis and equipment quickly collected, the group made their way to the gondola to make the 17 minute journey up the mountain to Pila. Although a first time experience for many, everyone made it up the mountain together and assembled at the meeting point to wait for the instructors. Almost half the group were complete novices and everyone was split into groups depending on ability and experience. While the two beginner groups spent the first couple of days on the nursery slope, the more advanced groups went up higher into the mountains using the numerous chairlifts and gondolas.

 Day two brought the first injury of the trip: Katie Goodall from the advanced group fells and fractured her leg. She was seen hopping around on the snow on her new crutches the very same afternoon and was highly commended by all the staff for her maturity, as unfortunately she was unable to ski for the rest of the week.

By day three, the nursery slope was a thing of the past as the beginner groups moved up to one of the higher slopes. Ice Skating was on the agenda for the evening activity - an ice rink all to themselves, including disco music and lights meant everyone had a blast! Unfortunately, Matthew Jeffrey fell down, breaking his fall with his left arm. Another hospital visit later confirmed the worst: Matthew had fractured his wrist and was to have his arm put in a cast. Matthew joined Katie and they spent the rest of the time out of the snow.

More skiing followed with everyone making excellent progress. Day by day, the routine of collecting and returning the equipment got easier and more streamlined. The final evening was ‘Presentation Night’ with ski-school instructors awarding level badges and certificates to students and staff. This was followed by some awards given by staff for ‘Most Organised Room’, ‘Best Dressed Male and Female on the Slopes’ and ‘Bravery Awards’.

 Before we knew it, day six of skiing was upon us. The final 17-minute-trip up the mountain was made before heading off in our separate directions. During our last lunch on the mountain Katie Nelson took a tumble and was taken to the Medical Centre. The result of the fall was a broken shoulder and a fractured leg. Despite sustaining such terrible injuries just hours beforehand, Katie managed to get on the coach and the group began the 17 hour coach journey home in time for Christmas.

Arriving back in Southsea on Christmas Eve, the coach was greeted by a large welcoming party of family and friends. Having said goodbye everyone went their separate ways to spend Christmas in the warmth of their own homes.