Fantastic Ski Trip to Austria

12 March 2012

School Ski Trip to Windischgarsten, Austria: Of the many components that make a successful skip trip, plentiful good quality snow is vital. This year the group were treated to masses of fine powder, making the conditions fantastic for both the experienced skiers and this year’s crop of beginners. The beginners, initially confined to the kids park, learnt at a record rate and they were soon on the main slopes attempting the blue run.

As the week went on, the snow kept falling covering the piste in deep powder. This proved popular as all groups enjoyed challenging their abilities knowing the soft snow would absorb any impacts. Much amusement was shared as some underestimated how deep the snow was in places and struggled to get back up onto their feet.

Midweek, the vast amount of snow turned from a blessing to a curse. Staff were forced to cancel the afternoon session on Wednesday as a storm reduced visibility and provided yet more snow. The following day the mountain was closed due to avalanche risk and snow filling the tunnels of the train that takes skiers up the mountain. The staff could not remember a time when the mountain had been closed due to too much snow. Luckily the contingency plan proved popular as everyone headed to a local town to enjoy bowling and a break from Austrian cuisine in McDonalds.

The mountain granted us one last morning of skiing for the annual downhill race. In first place this year was Matthew McDonald representing St. Phillips house and beating experienced sixth formers.