Wednesday morning

Another sunny morning on the piste. I skied with the beginners and nobody succeeded in wiping me out (although one or two made a pretty good effort!). We managed to descend the blue twice in the lesson with time to spare, having managed it only once (and having run out of time) yesterday, and the skiers remarked how much easier it seemed today. Progress indeed!

The beginners (plus Hannah who paid us a brief visit)

Years ago, people used to ski in interesting hats, which was always fun, but the recent very sensible move to wearing helmets had stopped that. Now, however, it is possible to buy novelty helmet covers, as modelled here by Harrison and Harley:

The chicken and the elephant go skiing

I am hoping to have some more photos from people to post later.

Beginners' progress

Our beginners have made really good progress over the first three days. We started by getting the hang of things on a very gentle slope just adjacent to the hotel on the first morning:

During the afternoon, we went up a chairlift and tried a different piste just at the top. On the Monday morning, we took a quick hop on the bus to the neighbouring village of Chantemerle and used the beginners' piste there which had the great advantage of "un tapis magique" (magic carpet), which is a conveyor belt to return the skiers to the top of the slope to try again. By the end of the second afternoon, the beginners were developing some nice controlled turns.

Le tapis magique

This morning, the instructors felt brave enough to take us all up to the top of a "blue" run and ski down it. The green runs aren't open yet, so this was going to be quite a challenge. I'm delighted to report that all our beginners successfully made it down the run with very few meltdowns. Aphra may now be in line for a special "taking down Mr Court" award as she managed to knock me completely off my feet (and skis) at one point. Needless to say, Aphra came off worse but fortunately was only winded!

Here are a few of our heroes about to ski off a snow mound:

Aphra

Freya

James

Monday skiing

More good skiing today and all have returned intact.  Here are a couple of photos by Louis Rawlinson from this morning.  I may have more later.

First day on the pistes

We were all very relieved and pleased to find that the snow cannons had been hard at work and there were good pistes to ski on in Serre Chevalier today. The more advanced skiers went up a couple of lifts and found some nice pistes at the top and the beginners were taken to an area adjacent to the hotel this morning and were able to cope with a chairlift this afternoon. All are going to Chantemerle by bus (about 15 minutes) tomorrow to try the pistes over there.

Higher intermediates (Photo: Louis Rawlinson)

Photo: Lily Simon 

Photo: Lily Simon

Photo: Mr Edlin

Photo: Mr Edlin

Photo: Mr Edlin

Serre Chevalier weather

The snow has been falling in the Alps this weekend, and here is a weather widget that will give you updated forecasts for Serre Chevalier. This forecast is for the middle station of the lifts at an altitude of 2000m:

View detailed snow forecast for Serre Chevalier at:
snow-forecast.com

Serre Chevalier 2015: Travel Itinerary, videos

We have now received all the details about the travel arrangements. Any updates will be posted here. Please watch this blog for any delays or alterations to return times.

Saturday 12th December 2015   Outward journey
06:20   Arrive at Shoreham College to register and load the coach.
06:40   Leave for Gatwick
07:40   Check-in at Gatwick North Terminal
09:40   Depart from Gatwick, flight BA2754 for Grenoble
12:30   Arrive at Grenoble, get luggage, depart by coach for Serre Chevalier
16:15   (approx) Arrive at Clubhotel Frejus, Serre Chevalier

Please note that a packed lunch will be required, as the first meal provided is in the evening, although there will be food of some sort on the plane. We suggest buying a bottle of water at the airport after passing through security checks.

Saturday 19th December 2015   Return journey
08:55   Depart from Serre Chevalier
11:55   Check in at Grenoble airport
13:55   Depart from Grenoble, flight BA2755 for Gatwick
14:35   Arrive at Gatwick, collect luggage, board coach and depart for Shoreham
16:30   Arrive back at Shoreham College

All times quoted are local times, i.e. times in France are an hour ahead.
Hotel Address: Clubhotel Frejus, Villeneuve, 5240 Serre Chevalier, France
School trip phone (always carried by a member of staff on the trip): 07854 983257

I will be able to update this blog via smartphone during the journey if there are any alterations to the expected return time, so it would be a good idea to watch out for updates on the Saturday.

Here is a video from Skibound showing the Clubhotel Frejus:

- and a video showing the skiing at Serre Chevalier:

Ski Trip 2015: Update 2

Not only Ardres but also the ski trip, it's been a crazy couple of weeks ...

Fantastic news today as we were able to confirm that Skibound have agreed to increase our booking to include all those who applied by Monday's deadline and Mr Mathias has agreed to join the staff. Our thanks are due to Mr Warner and Mrs O'Neill-Roe who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this happen.

Watch this space for further updates.

Ski Trip 2015: Update 1

Owing to rather unprecedented and unexpected demand for places, the original 27 had all been taken within 24 hours of the letters being emailed out yesterday morning!  Understandably, there were some disappointed people today.

Please be assured that we are working on this and initial indications suggest that it is possible that we may be able to secure some more places and staff in order to accommodate the people currently on the reserve list.  Please do continue to bring in forms (directly to Mrs O'Neill-Roe) if you would like to go so that we can see how many extra places we need to try to get.  No promises, but we're doing all we can.  Watch this space and your email inbox.

Ski Trip 2015: Serre Chevalier

This year's December ski trip is launching today.  Details are contained in the letter which is being emailed to all parents of pupils in years 7 to 10.  Copies of the letter and application form are also available from Mr Court, Mrs Liley and Mr Edlin, as well as the front reception desk.  I believe it will also be on the 'Letters home' section of the College website.

The completed booking form and £250 deposit need to be handed directly to Mrs O'Neill-Roe (and nobody else) by Monday 9th Feb.

Updates will be posted here.