On time so far

Just boarded plane at Grenoble.

9.48 on the tarmac at Gatwick.

10.14 reclaiming baggage.

10.43 everyone collected and all accounted for.

On time so far

Just boarded plane at Grenoble.

Return journey

The snow stopped this afternoon and no more is forecast for the time being.  All the local roads have been cleared so we don't anticipate any delay at this end in the morning.

Keep an eye on this blog (I know you already are, it has received up to 416 page views daily!) and I will post any updated travel details as I get them tomorrow via my mobile.

We are on EZY8942 from Grenoble, arriving at 10.00am and hope to be in the arrivals area of Gatwick North Terminal from about 10.30am.

Final group photo

All the pupils after the last ski session, having just been presented with their certificates.

Deep snow and funny cars ...

Rather deep powder today as enjoyed by Tom  -  and Spencer, who was ensnared by a fence after slightly overshooting at the bottom of a piste.

We managed to untangle him.  Gigi was collecting snow in her hair:

-  and we all want to have a go in a Renault Twizy, especially on the snow ...

Winter wonderland ...

Just about to wake up the troops and this is the view that will  greet them today.

Après ski

This evening, a pool and table football tournament.

Ice skating

Most of our fearless skiers went ice skating last night on the resort's newly refurbished and very popular rink.  All went well although the indestructible Lottie did fall on her wrist and sustained a tiny fracture to the end of her radius.  Needless to say, she has it strapped up and is still smiling.
Here is Mrs Liley's group photo of the ice skaters, followed by one of our five excellent Year 11s, who have been very reliable and helpful this year.

As predicted, the snow is currently falling gently and the pistes are receiving a welcome dusting of new snow.  We are expecting some more overnight.

Today's happy skiers

A few more skiers captured as they finished the afternoon session:

Top o' the world ...

Actually, the top is a bit further up but we think this is as high up as any of us have been this week.  Mr Edlin was up there with some of our intermediate skiers.

The town is just visible down in the valley to the left of Finn's head.

Cloudier this morning

The current forecast is for cloud and sunny spells today with some snow coming in tomorrow.

Some of today's skiers

Snapped as they were on their way back after a successful afternoon on the pistes.

The beginners' group

These are mostly people from Dundee, but you can spot Gigi (pink trousers) and Will (black and white coat).  Another sunny afternoon on the piste, although we had just skied a section that was more in need of a lawnmower than a snowplough.  Snow is forecast for Thursday.

Lunch

After the first 'black'

Some members of our advanced group after skiing their first 'black' run of the week this morning.  Photo by Mr Edlin.

Going back for lunch

In the bucket lift: Tom, Will, Gigi and Mrs L. after another sunny morning's skiing.

Mr Edlin has some good shots from this morning which I hope to post later.

On the piste ...

The sun is shining and the snow is good.  An excellent morning's skiing followed by a very good lunch back at the hotel.

Mr Edlin took a very good photo of the other group this afternoon and Mrs Liley managed to capture a shot of some rather bizarre wildlife:

Sunrise

This is the view from Room 101. 

If it's this good I may be forced to post it each morning.

View from Room 101.

Not much snow on the streets but the pistes are the right colour.

Arrived

All safely arrived and installed in the hotel. About to have lunch. Mr Edlin and Mr Court slightly amused to be in Room 101.

On our way up

The flight ran to schedule and we are now on our way up the mountains in the coach.

Alpe d'Huez Ski Trip 2013: Final Details

STAFF: MR COURT, MR EDLIN AND MRS LILEY

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

OUT BOUND:  SATURDAY 14^TH DECEMBER 2013

To meet at the Departures drop off point at Gatwick Airport  NORTH Terminal at 3.30AM.

CHECK IN: 04.05

FLIGHT NO TO GRENOBLE:  EZY8941                         FLIGHT TIME: 06.05

INBOUND:  SATURDAY 21^ST DECEMBER 2013

FLIGHT NO FROM GRENOBLE:  EZY8942                   FLIGHT TIME: 07.25

ARRIVE GATWICK: 10:00AM

PLEASE COLLECT FROM ARRIVALS  (inside the airport) at 10.30AM

Please note that the airport/airlines have very tight restrictions on liquids and creams/pastes in hand luggage, so please pack any such items into the suitcase and also make sure there are no scissors or pointed objects in the hand luggage or pockets. It is a good idea to have a pair of ski socks in hand luggage as sometimes we have a ski fit on arrival before unpacking suitcases.

Ski bound state that pupils are permitted one medium sized case and one item of hand luggage with a combined weight of 20kgs.  Excess baggage charges are very high, so please be careful.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER: 07854 983257

This will be manned 24hrs.

HOTEL ADDRESS:

Belle Aurore Clubhotel

Route du Signal

Alpe d’Huez 38750

France

Contact Number : 0033476803317

Alpe d'Huez Ski Trip 2013: Kit List

This is the basic list that has been emailed to parents.  We are expecting the resort to be snowy and the weather when skiing will be cold, so the thermal base layers and really good gloves will be important.

We don't recommend taking mobile phones and other expensive electronic paraphernalia as some of it always gets lost.  The staff will not have time to look for lost gadgets, so please only bring things that are heavily insured or that you are prepared to risk losing.  If pupils do bring mobile phones, we will be asking for their numbers.  If parents want to speak to a member of staff during the trip, one of us will have the College mobile phone, the number of which is 07854 983257.

General:

Normal everyday clothes for wearing around the hotel
Normal washing equipment for use in the hotel
Nightwear
Towel
Swimming kit (in case a visit to the local pool is arranged)
Outdoor clothes and suitable footwear for use in snowy conditions
Hats, scarves, gloves etc.

For the skiing:

Thermal base layers
T-shirts, sweatshirts
Salopettes or ski trousers
Ski socks (several pairs)
Ski jacket
Ski gloves
Ski goggles
Balaclava or thermal face protection would be useful
(We will be wearing helmets, so most hats will not fit inside)
Ski goggles (normal sunglasses are not appropriate)
Sun cream, lip balm

We will have medical kit with us, but if pupils require us to look after any medical requirements whilst away, please clearly name and hand to a member of staff.  Mr Edlin and Mrs Liley both hold current first aid certificates.

Equipment provided at Alpe d'Huez:

Ski boots
Ski poles
Skis
Helmet