Austrian Alps Adventure
Our recent school trip to Stuhlfelden, Austria, was a resounding success, offering students a rich blend of exhilarating skiing, cultural exploration, and personal growth. From the moment we arrived, the majestic Austrian Alps became our playground, and the memories created will last a lifetime.
A week of skiing, cultural immersion, and triumph!
The Austrian Alps adventure began with a flurry of excitement as students, armed with their luggage, prepared for the journey. Upon arrival at Pension Platzhaus, the real fun began.
Day 2 was all about getting our ski legs, with a hilarious ski boot race that ignited team spirit and set the tone for a week of camaraderie.
From Day 3 onwards, the focus shifted to mastering the slopes. Our students were divided into groups based on their skiing abilities, and, under the guidance of our fantastic instructors (Bart, Tim, Hugo, Tibu, and Josephine), everyone made remarkable progress. We were delighted with our new ski helmet covers provided by the Friends of Ripley St Thomas, which enabled us to single out our pupils straight away on the slopes.
Group 5, our beginners, bravely transitioned from the nursery slopes to a gentle incline, a significant achievement for their first time skiing. Group 4 conquered the challenging journey to the mountain’s halfway point. Group 3 refined their parallel skiing technique, demonstrating increasing confidence and control. Group 2 welcomed new members who took to skiing like seasoned pros, and Group 1, our advanced skiers, honed their skills with slalom time trials and tackled challenging red and even black runs!
The cultural experiences were just as enriching. A highlight was our trip to the charming ski town of Kitzbühel, where we indulged in a pizza feast. The authentic Austrian atmosphere and delicious food provided a taste of local life.
Day 5 brought more skiing triumphs, with each group reaching new heights. Group 1 conquered a black run, a testament to their skill and determination. Group 3 achieved the milestone of skiing to the mountain’s summit, a feat that filled them with pride. The day also included a touch of Austrian culture, with some students enjoying a well-deserved rest accompanied by local techno music.
Day 6 was truly spectacular. The entire group ascended to the summit at 3029 meters, capturing a breathtaking panoramic photo. The afternoon was dedicated to a final, exhilarating descent from the summit, a perfect culmination of our skiing adventure.
In the evening, we immersed ourselves in Austrian sports culture by attending an ice hockey game in Zell am See, cheering on the local team with enthusiasm.
Our final day on the slopes was bittersweet. We enjoyed a last session of skiing, practicing our favourite techniques and savouring the stunning mountain views. A final lunch on the mountain was the perfect way to bid farewell to the slopes. After a final, hot meal at Pension Platzhaus, we commenced our journey home from the amazing Austrian Alps adventure.
Throughout the week, students demonstrated exceptional teamwork, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. They not only improved their skiing skills, but also gained a deeper understanding of Austrian culture and formed lasting friendships. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful to everyone who contributed to making this trip so successful.
