On 21st January, 50 Year 5 and 6 students set off on their journey to Switzerland for a week’s skiing holiday. We met at the airport at 8.00pm; everyone was excited yet nervous about what lay ahead. Bags were bursting with warm clothes, goggles and ski equipment and the parents fought back tears as they waved goodbye when we headed through security.

After the long journey we arrived safely at the chalet. The Viamonde staff gave a warm welcome and the children settled themselves into their rooms. A busy afternoon was had by all, being measured for ski boots, skis, jackets, ski pants and of course helmets. The councilors had grouped the children according to their ability and ran through skiing procedures and equipment check ready for the exciting day on the slopes the next day. All children were in bed and fast asleep by 9.00pm, followed closely by all of the teachers!

Not surprisingly, the children awoke early and readied themselves for the day; although some had to be reminded to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. It was quite amusing seeing the children walking in their ski boots for the first time. A bus service picked us all up from the chalet and dropped us off at the cable car station. The children thoroughly enjoyed the five minute cable car ride as the view was unbelievable. Snow capped mountains surrounded the whole area, which was breathtaking.

The councilors began every session with vigorous warm up exercises to limit the possibility of an unnecessary injury (please note we had no injuries – including the teachers!)

During the course of the week, it was fun watching the various groups on the slopes. Each councilor has a special group name which the children took pride in. We saw JP’s Basket- ballers, slam-dunking, the Super-duper skiers snow ploughing, Ally’s Alligators accelerating, the Shark’s swerving, the Snowflakes swishing, the Snowmen sliding, and the Lanky Yankee’s having a great time skiing.

One of the evening activities was a fun-filled hour of night sledding! After the kids put on their warm ski clothes and helmets, we ventured on a short walk to a little hill in the village. Many children had never been sledging before and enjoyed this activity immensely! It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces and screams of delight while the kids whizzed down the hill. All the children had a fantastic time and even the teachers got involved, showing off their adventurous side!

On our last day on the piste, the air temperature had dropped and the wind chill was very cold. Extra layers came out of bags and the councilors ensured every child was warm enough. Breaks from the cold were more regular and we realized how lucky we have been with the sunny weather. The cold didn’t seem to faze the children as excitement grew at the thought of competing in a timed slalom race. The children were split into three ability groups: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Different courses were erected on the slope known as “Beginner One”.

Despite the shocking temperature, Viamonde organised a barbecue at the top of the mountain. Everybody was grateful for the hot food and respite from the cold. We then had a photo shoot of all groups, displaying the Bahraini flag in the Swiss Alps.
The groups then completed their final runs and the advanced group chose their own route, incorporating part of the black run that they all mastered successfully.

Well done to all the children as the progression they made through out the week was fantastic to watch. Congratulations to those who were awarded ding-a-lings and Golden Bells.

Thank you to Viamonde Ski Company, Kanoo Travel, KLM, and AXA Insurance, Tim Murray from Alba as well as Paul Coterill and Yazid Bitar.

Mrs Lodwig (Ski Trip Coordinator)

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