ST JOHN'S SKI TRIP EASTER 2024

Travel Update: So the wait is finally over...  all luggage has been securely stowed and we are on route to Serre Chevalier. Enjoying a 'welcome break' at a service station near Dover. Ditching the collective passport ensured that customs was cleared in record time.  We have boarded P&O Libert é , waved goodbye to the white cliffs and are enjoying a very  smooth crossing to Calais. Back on the road (albeit on the opposite side) and will continue driving until we stop for breakfast. Time to put a face mask on and start counting sheep before the snoring commences...

The Journey Continues... Dawn has broken to reveal a few tired faces. Pulling over to enjoy a pain au chocolat and a cup of freshly brewed coffee has certainly helped to turn those frowns upside down. Taken a slight diversion via Italy due to heavy snow and road closures along the  typically  mountain pass . Taking a trip through the Frejus Tunnel was certainly an expensive detour but saved us a considerable amount of time and lead to some stunning views along the border. The Eagle has Landed... It was snowing as we have weaved our way  into Serre Chevalier. This turned into sleet as we started unloading cases but we all pitched in and got everything inside swiftly. Staff at Skibound and St John's Marlborough worked with military precision to ensure that students were fitted with the correct helmets, boots and skis. Dinner was served shortly after a few important announcements from the hotel manager and Mr Nicholls. The sweet and sour pork certainly seemed to go down well...

 Let it snow... All of us were up early and eager to hit the slopes after a hearty breakfast. It had started snowing quite heavily by the time we had adorned our ski outfits and registered in our designated groups. Instructors took our beginner groups to the base of the famous Casse du Boeuf and helped them to become acquainted with ski equipment. The drills got progressively harder throughout the morning session which included a few little jumps towards the end. Some of the more experienced skiers ventured higher up the mountain and were treated to a very large dumping of fresh powder. It was initially quite challenging from a technical perspective but runs got progressively more forgiving as the light improved and snow became compacted. Meatball Marinara We had built up quite an appetite by lunch were treated to deeply filled baguettes, pasta and salad. It transpired that the most advanced group managed to get a few extra runs in before the instructor realised that he had no...

Students were noticeably more tired after a full day of skiing but still arrived on time our continental and were eagerly waiting to be collected by their instructors. We were treated another blanket of snow in the morning which provided some exceptional skiing conditions. This was so deep in places that one of the students skis got buried and could not be found despite deploying quite an extensive search party. The sun broke through by after lunch which provided the perfect conditions and prompted discussions regarding a potential BBQ later in the week. Students were provided with additional time to explore local shops and a few were spotted enjoying drinks and a few nibbles at a local restaurant.  They had clearly built up quite an appetite during the day as they still had space for Beef Bourguignon that evening and a custard tart that evening. The night concluded with ' Game Night ' in which students could  play a wide range board games and/or compete in two epic tournamen...