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Photo by Burnside High School

Mt Lyford Ski trip

Ellie Honeybone —

It was on the day of Monday 21st August that the students of Year 12 PE gathered at the Aurora Centre whilst it was still dark out ready to begin their three-day adventure.

 Even though still half asleep, excitement was buzzing. We eventually managed to pull ourselves together enough to get both our gear and ourselves on the bus, after all gear got the final check off from the teachers. The rather early start though did provide some absolutely stunning sunrise shots. We began the three-hour drive, with a short impatient stop - everyone was keen to just get up to the ski field - in some town in the middle of nowhere before continuing the last bit to Lyford. After swapping buses we started the drive up the mountain, those who were scared of heights were advised to sit to one particular side of the bus away from the straight drop down the mountain, this drive was made more intimidating by the fact as we got higher we started driving into a straight whiteout. Luckily though we were in the hands of a brilliant driver and in a way this added to the adventure. This was most definitely though the least dangerous part of the trip after seeing some people's skiing on the first day.

We made it up the mountain eager for our first day of skiing. It was not the best weather wise as it was just whiteout, but everyone was keen to get started straight away and everyone hit the learners slope braving the whiteout. We were left to just ski the whole day with lessons postponed. We were offered the opportunity to help in the building of a snow cave (didn’t sleep in them this year in case of an earthquake and we got squished,) but there were no takers on that so that idea was shut down fast and we were left to ski. We were close to ending up with no dinner the first night after the burgers came a bit close to being set on fire, but the cooking team pulled through and were provided a solid dinner after a big day of skiing, and equal amount of crashing. All went to sleep pretty quickly after threatened with a grumpy Sharapoff and that was the end of our first day.

We woke bright and early at 6:15 to the lovely greeting of the generator and Sharapoff. Outside we were greeted with an absolutely stunning sunrise blooming, with the sun out, no cloud in the sky and perfect snow. Even the promise of powder could be seen on the slopes. Some of the best weather and snow the trip had had in years. We were given a hearty breakfast ready for the expected huge day to come. We sat in suspense as we waited for the tows to open, and then as soon as they did everyone was out. We were set free for the first hour or so before being summoned back to go under assessment and were split into different groups depending on our ability. These were then our lesson groups for the next two days, and we had a lesson for each day. The day turned out to be as good as it promised with blue sky, no wind, and incredible snow. The weather was so good most overheated and had to strip down to one or two light layers, with some people just going t-shirt and a thermal. We skied from when the tows opened at around 8:30 till they closed at 4. With the opportunity to go back to the lodge though whenever you wanted to take a break and recharge.

After tows closed the skis were put away and the toboggans were pulled out. It's fair to say that carnage was caused. The staff of Mt Lyford had built us a track to do down on by the learner's slope, which had been groomed and had sides built on either side. The sides were a savior with a few high-speed close calls nearly taking a detour off the side which would have meant a long walk back. People fell off, others were run over but it was all worth it. Cards were played and friendships were tested. Championship for monopoly deal was a close call, with rookies showing some hidden unexpected talent and to this day it is undecided who took out champion. Bedtime was shifted up a bit earlier than the night before, out loud; complaints were given but really it was a blessing for most.

Day three was again an early start and the sunrise was exceptional again and the weather was promising to be perfect again. Again we were out as soon as lifts were open, free to roam and pretty much do whatever we wanted until being summoned for the daily hour/hour and a half lesson After that though we were good to be free again. It was another day of skiing in as few layers as possible, some even ended up with just a t-shirt or just a polyprop. It was on this day you could really evident the improvement that had occurred in everyone’s skiing over the three days with even those who had never skied before, were off the learners slope and skiing the intermediate slopes. Mr Christeller did not quite convince the other Pe teachers to venture up the rope tow to the best snow, so that was left mainly untouched with the exception of one keen and slightly unsuspecting student. We had managed to go injury free for the whole three days of the trip except for the few scrapes and bruises on those who thought no gloves was a good idea - this idea quickly rethought after crashing.

The other half of year 12s turned up an hour or two before we were meant to leave, so we had the all the approximately 40 pe students up all skiing together. Unfortunately the time came all too quick that it was time to pack up and go, gear was packed up and loaded back into the bus to begin the trip back home, Mr Taylor and Mrs Sharapoff waved us off as we drove away as they were lucky enough to get to stay another two days, not having to come home till Friday getting to ski even more. The trip home was a much quieter one than the one up the mountain, with very little energy after the huge adventure that just went down.

Overall the trip was an absolute success, with incredible weather and snow. It was an experience never to forget and definitely a massive highlight for most people’s school year, and even whole school experience. So I highly recommend students to go on this trip, and not miss out on this amazing adventure. It was an incredible experience to go on, to get to stay on a ski field for three days with friends and have constant adventures with each other over the time there. We would like to thank the Mt Lyford staff for letting us stay and use their facilities, to the PE teachers for coming making the trip possible and to both for making it an incredible trip.