Ski Trip – 5-11 April 2026
As the Spring term finally wound down, 71 students and 11 staff gathered, ready to begin this year’s ski adventure. Our destination: Claviere, a beautiful Italian resort that conveniently lets you ski straight into Montgenèvre if you fancy popping over to France before lunch. Two countries in one day? Our students now think that’s normal.
With over half the group being complete beginners, the first morning on the slopes was a spectacle. Some resembled newborn giraffes on ice; others discovered that stopping is, in fact, a skill you have to learn. But the progress was impressive. By day two, those same beginners were confidently snow‑ploughing their way down the mountain. More advanced skiers perfected their parallel turns, tackled steeper runs, and attempted “jumps” that were technically only a few centimetres off the ground but we applauded them anyway. A special shout‑out to those who discovered that gravity remains undefeated.
What made the week truly brilliant, though, was the students’ attitude. They cheered each other on, laughed off the occasional dramatic tumble, and embraced every challenge the mountain threw at them. Whether they were gliding across the border into Montgenèvre or simply trying to get off a chairlift without causing a minor incident, they did it with enthusiasm and good humour.
Our evenings were a highlight in their own right. The disco saw dance moves that defied both rhythm and physics. Pizza night was met with the kind of excitement usually reserved for snow days and cancelled homework. Mr Darmanin once again proved he was born to host game shows, running activities with the energy of someone who had definitely not spent all day skiing with teenagers. He was brilliantly supported by Mr Burke, who brought his own brand of enthusiasm to the chaos.
Of course, no ski trip would be complete without our traditional nominations ceremony. The silly hats made their annual appearance, awarded for spectacular wipeouts, questionable comments, and moments that will live forever in trip folklore. As always: “It could be you!”
A huge thank you goes to our drivers from Hodgsons (John & Chris) for getting us safely across Europe, and to the Equity team (Gill, Harry and Jo) for their support throughout the week. We were also incredibly well looked after by Diane and her team at the Hotel Roma.
And of course, thank you to the staff ( Mr Moore, Miss Barnes, Mr Jones, Mrs Jackson, Mr Darmanin, Mrs Shackell, Mr Forster, Mrs Hanks, Mr Burke, Miss Forster) who gave up part of their Easter break to make this trip possible. Their patience, humour and commitment kept everything running smoothly. The trip simply wouldn’t happen without them.
We’re already looking ahead. Passo Tonale 2027 and Pal Arinsal 2028 are booked, and we’re excited to keep offering new experiences each year. Keep your eyes out for the launch of the 2028 ski trip in January 2027.
If this trip taught us anything, it’s that with resilience, teamwork and a good sense of humour, our students can take on any mountain, literal or otherwise.
Mr M‑J
