Day Six - On Our Way Home

We were all bleary eyed as we met in the hotel foyer at 2.30am. Luckily, all students were ready on time and we left promptly at 3.00am in the first snow fall of the holiday.

We made good time and checked in quickly. Despite our reminders, some students still managed to pack shower gel and other liquids in their hand luggage. Nothing of great importance was left behind though and we are sure everyone will mange without a shower until they get home, lol.

Students had two hours to relax and get a starbucks coffee and McDonald's hash browns to fortify them through the morning.

Our plane arrived on time, for flight AA156, so we expect to be back in Walsall at the planned time.

Thank you for following snowsportsqm and as Warren Miller would say "If you don't ski this year, you'll be one year older when you do"

So, until next time, bye y'all.

Day Five - Costume Day

Today was the sunniest day of the week. We came down for our last breakfast and weren't disappointed. Cheesy eggs, bacon and potatoes, bagels and cream cheese, fruit and a surprise of blueberry muffins.
Everyone then went to get ready for costume day and there were some really fantastic outfits on display.
Our arrival at the slopes created a flurry of interest.
Here are some of the outfits from the day.

In the evening we had presentation of awards. 

Liam Jones                                       Soap Dodger

Andrew Edmonds                            Most Improved in One Week

Paul Houlston                                   Endurance

Katie La                                            Endurance

Hannah Byrne                                  Best Backward Skier

Jay Sahnan                                      Best Helmet

Holly Randall-Williams                    Most Psychedelic

Bradleigh Smith                              Liftmaster

Kayleigh Hill                                     American Snail

Dominic Boniface                           Most Improved

Rebecca Toni-Walsh                      Best Beginner

Ben Fortes-Mayer                           American Speed Demon

Eleanor Harris                                  Poser of the Week

Tom Olivo                                         Biggest Bruise

Molly Stapleton                                Best Hat

Year 8 boys                                      Most Punctual

Naomi Fallon                                   Reddest Nose

Charlie Shardlow                            Best Panda Eyes

Rachel Chorley                                Most Spectacular Wipeout

Simran Bains Sira                           Most Stylish Skier

Jahnvi Patel                                      Most Wipeouts

Fancy Dress Prizes

Rebecca 

Little Red Riding Hood

Naomi                      Tiger

Liam                          Superman

Ben          Clumsy Smurf

shown with Kayleigh as Mr Potato Head

Our drama queens turned into Zombies for the day.

The whole party had a fabulous time at Waterville Valley and will remember it fondly.

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.