Over the Easter holidays, 62 students from Years 8 to 12 swapped classrooms for the peaks and embarked on the much-anticipated senior ski trip to Alpe d’Huez—a resort famed for its sunshine, spectacular scenery, and slopes that test both skill and courage.
The adventure began bright and early with a flight from Manchester Airport to Chambéry Airport, where we were joined by the Prep School ski trip. After landing, there was a brief but suspenseful wait on the plane—just enough time for everyone to wonder if the mountains had somehow melted while we were in the air—before boarding coaches for the transfer to our home for the week, the welcoming Clubhouse Vallée Blanche.
There was no time to waste. Rooms were quickly claimed, luggage deposited (some more neatly than others), and it was straight off to ski fitting. Boots were wrestled onto reluctant feet, skis were matched to their riders, and within a couple of hours, the group looked every inch the alpine professionals—at least in theory.
The following morning, the students were up bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and fuelled by a hearty breakfast. A short walk and a ride in the “lobster pots” (chairlifts, for the uninitiated) whisked everyone up to the slopes. Once split into groups, students eagerly set off under the expert guidance of their instructors, ready to carve their way across the mountain.
Set in the heart of the Grandes Rousses massif, Alpe d’Huez boasts over 250 km of stunning pistes. Among them is the legendary Sarenne, a formidable 16 km descent that became a badge of honour for those brave enough to tackle it. Some were also brave enough to tackle the challenging run of “Le Tunnel”, a unique run passing 200 metres through the inside of the mountain before dropping down the other side. We can confidently say that both staff and students flew down these runs. Whether they were still stood up at the time is a different matter entirely.
Adding to the magic, the resort enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year—and we were lucky enough to experience wall-to-wall blue skies throughout the week, resulting in a few pink-cheeked skiers after day one. Luckily, they heeded warnings from the staff and thoroughly covered themselves in suncream for the rest of the week. The remainder of the ski week looked similar, with students returning each day with stories of intrepid skiers adventuring across the mountains, spectacular falls, a spattering of broken skis and poles, and plenty of great memories.
Evenings were just as lively as the days on the slopes. Activities ranged from table tennis, mini golf, and high ropes in the sports hall, to enthusiastic (and occasionally questionable) karaoke performances. There was also a dip in a stunning—if slightly bracing—outdoor swimming pool, trips to the local shops, and a fiercely competitive games night.
A particular highlight for both students and staff were Mr Rule’s daily presentations. These entertaining recaps of the day’s events ensured that no moment went unnoticed, especially when it came to awarding the coveted high-vis jackets and ladybird helmet cover to those whose antics stood out for all the wrong—or right—reasons.
As the week drew to a close, there was a shared sense of reluctance to leave the mountains behind. The combination of sunshine, skiing, and excellent company made for an unforgettable experience. The pupils were a credit to themselves throughout the trip, and as we returned home—tired but triumphant—there was already talk of the next ski-filled adventure.
