On Easter Sunday, thirty-four pupils and four teachers left Kingsley to begin a week’s skiing in Tignes, France. A number of pupils had never been skiing before and the journey was filled with excitement and trepidation in equal measure.
We arrived at the resort to new snow-fall and glorious sunshine. The staff of the Hotel Curling were extremely helpful and everyone was soon kitted out for the days of skiing ahead.
After an early night we were all up bright and early to begin our adventure on the slopes of Tignes.
The beginners’ nerves were soon allayed when they met Julien! He continued to have his students captivated for the entire week and I am convinced this was due to his good looks and French swagger.
We had 4 hours of lessons every day for six days and everybody was soon navigating the mountains with confidence.
In addition to skiing we also went bum-boarding, bowling, disco dancing, swimming and of course shopping.
Towards the end of the week everyone was awarded with a certificate by the ESF ski school. On the final day the beginners finally tore themselves away from Julien for the journey home.
It was heart-warming to see how much the girls appreciated all we did for them.
Everyone had a fantastic time and I am sure it will not be long before many of them return to the mountains.
N Smethurst (trip leader)