Wellacre Students have ‘Snow’ Much Fun

Posted at 10:40 am on 7th March, 2023

Austria Ski Trip 2023

We waved goodbye to Wellacre students who travelled to the ski slopes of Saalbach and Hintergleem, Austria, during the Spring Half Term.

As the first school trip abroad since 2019, the ski holiday was hotly anticipated and Mr Duffy, Teacher of PE, organised introductory and intermediate ski lessons at the Chill Factor so that students and accompanying staff could hit the slopes ready and able! 

Departing on Thursday 8th February, students arrived to a warm welcome from the family-run Jugendgastehaus Hinterronach.  The youth hotel is in a perfect location high above Saalbach town with superb views and doorstep skiing. 

The trip catered for all abilities and students enjoyed five full days of skiing with fun, expert and tailored tuition.  Beginners enjoyed instructor-led sessions, with the more experienced skiers meeting instructors to explore the slopes of the Saalbaach-Hintergleem valley. 

All the staff and students made the most of the experience and at the end of each skiing day, the party retired to the hotel to relax before each evening’s entertainment, which included swimming, a quiz, curling, and a Pizza Night in town.

Every student received a PGL certificate in recognition of their success on the slopes with additional prizes awarded on a special Presentation Evening on the last night.

A ‘Skier of the Week’ t-shirt was won by Devon. Year 9, for being an excellent skier who also upholds our core values.  Other outstanding skiers were named - Brandon, Yr 10, Matthew, Yr 11, Frank, Yr 9 and Jacob, Yr 9.

There were also shout-outs for effort on the trip. Tom, Yr 10, was the most supportive person, always helping others especially when they had fallen. Kaden, Yr 10, was the most helpful, by always supporting staff and instructors and Ethan, Yr 8 was the most improved person on the slopes!

Finally, Brodie, Yr 9, was presented The Mrs Siddall Award for his help and company, and for upholding our core values. The Tweedledee and Tweedledum Award was won by Tom H and Sam B, Yr 8, for always being together and helping each other.

Mr Duffy, Teacher of PE, said: 

“This trip was long awaited after the 2021 cancellations due to the pandemic.   The Chill Factor lessons gave students the opportunity to learn the basics of skiing, which in turn built their confidence and was invaluable when they took to the resort slopes!  Thanks to Miss Harvey, Miss Morley, Mr Sharrock, Mrs Siddall, and Miss Hill for accompanying the students on the trip.”

Mrs Sharrock, Principal, added: 

“A memorable trip for all involved. Thank you to Mr Duffy for his tireless efforts in organising everything and to the accompanying staff for giving up their family time to support the boys. Finally, well done to the students who were a credit to the school and their families for the duration of the trip. I hope the memories last a lifetime!”