Day Four - Time to reflect

Mixed blessings today; the sky was a bit overcast, with snow on the way, but at least we got the bagels back. 
Groups were all on time and waiting for the bus bright and early. Lessons started on time at 10.00am.

All groups made further progress with every group making it to the top of the mountain.

Pam's group started the day skiing backwards.

Jim's group were really disciplined and followed the ski-way code well.

We managed to get a lot of great pictures today, so here are a few that we think you will like.

     

Do you remember Dom - the one - 'I'm too good to fall'

Sorry Dom, lol.
The chair always gives time to reflect, especially when Bradders broke the High Country chair lift leaving Ron's advanced group swinging in mid air for 20 minutes. Well at least they all know the words to the school song, the National anthem, The Wheels on the Bus and various Queen anthems.

After dinner, everyone relaxed for DVD night with popcorn, soda and chips.


More from us on our last day tomorrow.

Day Three - Will we get a sun tan out here?

Another good night's sleep and we awoke to a calm, warm (0Celcius), sunny day and raced down to breakfast for 7.30am. Imagine our disappointment to find no bagels and cream cheese. We had to be content with American omelette with vegetables and cheese, sausages and crispy bacon, cereals and fresh fruit. We had a short break before the bus arrived at 9.30am and were shocked to find some students had got back in pjs and weren't ready. Holly was proudly wearing splat hat for the morning session.

All groups had a great day's skiing on freshly groomed snow. Here are some pictures of group 1 who went higher up the mountain on 'quadzilla' and tackled Valley Run with great success. Here are some photos from the day.

 Groups 2 and 3 progressed well and group 3 made it to the summit of Mount Tecumseh at 4004 feet.

Snowstig was working on her GCSE PE assessment; here she is 'falling safely'

After returning to the Valley Inn, we quickly changed into apres boots and raced to the village for some retail therapy. Several students fell in love with the ice. Just look at Ella.

After a quick shower and tea of meat loaf, veggies and potatoes. Lucy was heard to say "I'm 5% vegetarian. I eat meat, but not when it looks like that!" Then we were collected by the school bus to go to Funspot.

Students had a great time at Funspot. Some enjoyed bowling while others played the arcade to gain tickets that could be exchanged for prizes. Holly managed to collect 2353 tickets which she exchanged for a furry pony and some sweets.

Some more quotes of the day.
Naomi and Jahnvi in their bathroom with the infra-red heat lamp on for 25 minutes. Naomi "Do you think we can get a sun tan in here?"
Ellie: "How many quarters are there in a dollar?" Thank you Maths department!!
Y10 girls: We didn't write the Year 10 guide to using a wash kit. We want a handwriting sample from you teachers"
Mr Hinks with the flip video: "How do you turn this on?"
Ben Fortes-Mayer: "Press the on button, sir"
Molly: "Hello Welsh people; we'll make friends later"


More from us tomorrow.

Day Two - Who is 'The Stig'

Another great night's sleep then awoke to a glimmer of sunshine. Down to a yummy breakfast of pancakes with maple syrup, French toast and crispy bacon as well as bagels, cream cheese, cereal and fruit. Sadly Mr Hinks and Mr Hill missed out on the pancakes as the girls wolfed them down. Mrs Wood was seen to have several on her plate too.
Off on the bus to the slopes and lessons began at 10.00am.
Beginner group had a new instructor Pam and started off off on the J Bar again.
They progressed well and in the afternoon moved onto the Lower Meadows Chair.

This is their first time on the chair lift. Check out Jahnvi's clever recovery.

Just look at how good their skiing is on only their second day!!!

Here are a few snaps taken around the slopes during the day.

In these next pictures, we have a guest... Some say she's faster than Bode Miller, some say she eats snow for breakfast, but all we know is she's called 'SnowStig' can you spot her?

Quote of the day - Mr Hinks... "I didn't fall over, I'm just inspecting the snow"

We had a great day and are looking forward to ice skating and shopping in the village this evening.

Do you remember Dom the one "I'm too good to fall over!" Here is an ice skating clip...

Picture to follow.

Day One - The Deep Freeze

After a good night's sleep, we had breakfast at 7am. There was something for everyone, with a choice of scrambled eggs, sausage and potatoes; bagels, jelly and cream cheese, or cereal and juices as well as fresh fruit. Nom, Nom.

We all trekked off to ski fit on a school bus and were kitted out by 9am. 
Time for a little rest before we met up with the instructors Joe, Jim and Ron for lessons at 10am.
The sun was shining brightly and we were really shocked to feel our fingers and toes freezing. It wasn't surprising really when we found out that the temperature was -14Celcius. Brrr.
Everyone was glad of their thermals and settled in to their ski lessons, progressing well.

Jim's group of beginners, with Ellie wearing the Dude hat -  see yesterday's post!!!

Ron's group of more advanced skiers were zipping up and down the slopes but still managed two extra hot chocolate breaks to keep warm.

Evening meal due at 5.30 and then there is a choice of swimming at the White Mountain Athletics Club, or shopping in the village. 

Some students opted to stay cosy in the hotel.

We have a few 'quotes of the day' to share.....

Lucy: "Is ski-fit at the gym?"

Naomi, whilst in the steam room: "Can you get a sun tan in here?"

Dom: "I'm too good to fall" Well, we will just wait and see.

More from us tomorrow.

The Journey

After an early cold start everything went smoothly. A good check in and flight.

On arrival we picked up our coach and headed for the Manchester malls.

 Wow it was a 2 hour frenzy, brand names and male torsos bags everywhere!

 On arrival at the hotel we got our huge rooms.

Some of us managed to see the fireworks albeit at a distance - a few of us lost our way to the village! 

Students, adults and staff had a nice meal at the Valley Inn and were in bed by 9! Ella has been awarded the splat hat for a sneaky fall on the coach steps and one romantic year 8 has the dude hat for swish moves on the opposite sex.

Bluebird!

Just 2 more days and we will be skiing at Waterville Valley. At this time they have cool temperatures, -6 to +2 degrees Celsius with 49 out 52 runs open. It is going to be brilliant.

Just a reminder 3.30 am Saturday 11th February do not be late but do not be early! It will be cold, let's hope snow free. Parents please ensure the road up to the silver gates is kept clear for the coach.

Remember not to pack gels, creams or liquids in your hand luggage. 100ml or less is fine but it will need to go in to a clear plastic bag. Contact solution is often a problem, so make sure it is of the accepted size.

See you Saturday morning! :-) Mr. Hinks

Almost there...

Cool temperatures and 49 out of 52 trails

Great snow and we will be there on the 11th February!

Final Information and reminders:

Airline Company: American Airlines AA109 & AA156

Saturday 11th February Arrive QMHS 03.30 GMT
Depart QMHS 03.50 GMT

Arrive London Heathrow T3 06.55 GMT
Depart London Heathrow T3 09.55 GMT

Arrive Boston Int. 12.35 EST
Arrive Waterville Valley 16.00 EST

Hotel Details:
The Valley Inn & Red Fox Tavern
PO Box 1
17 Tecumseh Road
Waterville Valley, NH 03215
Tel: 001 603 236 8425

Friday 17th February
Depart Hotel 03.15 EST

Arrive Boston Int. 05.50 EST
Depart 08.50 EST
Friday 17th February

Arrive London Heathrow 20.50 GMT

Arrive QMHS *00:30 GMT (Sat 18th midnight)

The above information will be in the final letter. I would like to remind parents of the early start, 3.30am, no earlier is needed but please do not be late, and not to park anywhere before the silver gates at the Teddesley Street end of Upper Forster Street. We need to keep this free to get the Coach on to the school car park. We will load on the car park to keep the noise distruption down to a minimum for our local residences.

The staff all look forward to seeing you bright and early on Saturday 11th February.