Ski - Day 1: On the Slopes
The long journey was behind us and the kids were keen to hit the slopes. Quickly up for breakfast at 7:30 sharp, down to the boot room to gather the vital equipment, then on to the rather unusual “bucket” ski lift to the foot of the resort. When we departed the lift the reality of our adventure hit home; blue sky, fresh carpet of snow and mountains as far as the eye could see. The resort proved to be everything and more, as Lauren Elliot commented “that is one snowy mountain.”
The groups were divided into their abilities and led away by our instructors for the week. Christian with the bold beginners, Bridget with the inquisitive intermediates and Bernard (pronounced with a thick French accent) with the excellent experts. It was clear there were some nervous kids, even in the expert group who were in awe of the vast Alpes. Spurred on by some confident skiing by Miss (The Eagle) Lawson and Miss (bob-sleigh) Monaghan the groups were led up the mountain.
Within moments the fall count was building up, but to quote Euan Urquhart “it’s the ones who fall over the most that are the best skiers.” Guess who was falling over the most then? The Prize of best fall of the day will have to go to Ruben Taylor, who during his own dramatic tumble was able to knock over three others from his group. We all know that on the slopes in France it is not who is the best skier, it is who looks like the best skier. This award will have to go to Heidi Gruber, who sporting an all in white number looked En-Vogue all day. Our final first day award is the most improved. This award was given to Liam Weir who skied superbly well with the experts despite believing himself he was only an intermediate.
At lunch time on day one, we came in and were called to dinner, hearing some unusual loud “BANGS.” These echoed throughout the mountain and came from the highest peek at just over 3000 meters. The instructors informed us that there was nothing to worry about “the demolition experts are just doing some avalanche testing on the black slopes in the other ski village.” Feeling hungry we hastily departed the slopes for a tasty lunch!
The afternoon skiing was as adventurous as the morning. The beginners continued to improve with every woosh down the slopes, the intermediates were tackling ever more challenging runs and the experts, well, they were doing what they do best. We returned back to the hotel tired and worn out ready for supper.
After dinner, the staff: Miss Lawson, Miss Monaghan, Mr Morrison and Mr Elder created a number of après challenges. Tonight was the Crisp and Sweets quiz won by a very knowledgeable girl’s squad from room …(…). The teams were then issued maps and given an orienteering adventure about the town. And finally if the day was not long enough we still had time to celebrate three Birthdays with a delightful rendition of “happy birthday”. Steven McWilliam, Lauren Elliot and Cuinlain Davidson were given giant cakes, hugs and high fives.
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