Over the New Year 2012/2013, 24 students ranging in Year groups from 7 to 13 joined Messrs Bedi, Bird, Campbell and Jones for a week’s skiing in the Austrian resort of Zell am See.
Rajeev Badhan (Year 10) writes:
‘As soon as we had arrived at the resort, my heart skipped a beat. The height of the mountains was just unbelievable and the view as we went up the gondola was simply breath-taking. Honestly, it was the best view I had EVER seen.
Our hotel, the Club Kitzsteinhorn, was brilliant. The staff were always smiling, welcoming and very helpful. The meals at the hotel were delicious and always filled me up. Every night, we hired the sports hall and played a game of football, although some preferred the trampoline, beach volleyball or bouldering. Overall, I think everyone enjoyed it and the Pizzeria in the hotel produced pizza that was so tasty! Although the slices were huge, we didn’t care, we just wanted to eat!
It was the furthest I’d been away from home and, surprisingly, I didn’t feel home sick at all. We all got along well and had so many laughs, even with the teachers!
I had never been skiing before and, to be honest, it was the most exhilarating experience of my life. The adrenaline rush you get as you ski down a slope is amazing and really satisfying. As I was a beginner, however, watching 5-year olds whizz past you was a little bit humiliating. Although embarrassing, it was quite funny though! It made me want to excel in skiing as much as I could and, thankfully, I did as the week progressed. Our instructor was an eccentric 61-year old called Koty. Even though he was a bit crazy, he was hilarious and a brilliant skier; he actually helped us a lot to improve in our skiing during the week.
Throughout the whole week, we skied from 9am till 2pm but, I have to say, the walk from the hotel to the gondola lift was extremely tiring. Even though it was a 10 minute walk, when you are carrying skis and poles, and walking in ski boots, it’s pretty difficult!
Skiing on the last day we found actually extremely challenging as the winds were strong and fast. This also made it really really cold. The snow was whipping against the back of my ears so hard that it was painful! Thankfully, we survived and we spent that night playing football, eating even more pizza, and just having fun.
I definitely want to go again next year. It was the best experience of my life and I hope that I will continue to ski throughout my life……..’
Readers may be interested to learn that the planning for next year’s trip, also taking place over New Year, is already underway. Maria Alm, also in Austria, is the likely venue. Further details are being circulated by the Party Leader, Mr D Bird.
Mr P Jones
