Middle and Lower School Skiing Trip to Alpe D’Huez France
Alpe D’Huez, which not only boasts one of the best sunshine records in the Alps but also seven different ski areas and mile upon mile of well groomed pistes to suit skiers and boarders of all standards was the destination of this year’s excursion. Thirty-nine boys and five members of staff eschewed the Eurostar this year in favour of the plane as the principal mode of transport. Whilst the party arrived in Lyon Airport in good spirits, Alex Hough’s wallet did not, however, a fluent French speaking Mr. Coquelin came to the rescue and all was well as we boarded the ‘coach’ to take the party up to the resort.
The Hotel Beau Soleil, which enabled both a hotel bed and a sunny blue run to be within easy reach was superbly located and was to be our home for the week. Day one saw four good sized groups of different ability skiers head off to learn or ply their trade while the three snowboarders had the luxury of one instructor all to themselves. Two hour lessons from eleven until one and from three until five afforded generous meal times and ample time for preparation and recovery. Snow had not fallen for over a fortnight and while the snow cover was more than sufficient it was well compacted and a touch icy in places. Blue skies and the sunshine from the first three days gave way to snowy nights and mornings which allowed for some fabulous powder skiing by lunchtime in bright conditions. Progress by all was clearly evident and the top group, together with the staff, were keen to embark on the intimidating slalom course during the final day. Michael Pickin was the highest placed student whilst the French nation had to be satisfied with Olympic Men’s Downhill Champion only as Mr. Coquelin failed to make the top three in the slalom!
Evening entertainments with Rep. ‘Jenny from the Block’ was great fun and saw a number of ‘normally reserved individuals’ richly entertain the assembled crowd in the Karaoke Competition. Tuttsell, Howard-Combe, Sellick and Patterson won the prize for the Quiz by narrowly coming second to the staff, while Ice Skating and Bungee Trampolining completed the fun and games - and with no casualties! An excellent week in every sense was had by all and the rush to hand in deposits for next year’s trip to the Trois Vallees will be soon upon us.
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Skiing Trips | Extracurricular Activities