A few months ago, the uncertainty of whether ski camp would be on this year, due to covid-19, was not something that was worrying me.

I had barely any experience snowboarding or skiing and it seemed as though it may be an obstacle all too hard and stressful to tackle.  However, when my year group was informed we were lucky enough that the ski camp was marching onwards the excitement began to build. 

Right from the bus ride early on Monday morning, straight through to the pick-up back at the Columba College gates on Friday evening, my entire week was truthfully one of the best experiences of my life. 

After settling into our huts and with a comfortable amount of freedom, everyone began building stronger bonds and the usual tensions decreased as the week went on. I chose to do snowboarding cautiously and thought perhaps I would DREAD the lessons but in fact they were extremely helpful and very fun! 

With the advantage of our low numbers in my class, we were all able to learn lots from our experienced instructor. By the end of the first day I had successfully voyaged down one of the larger slopes and from then on, I was determined to race the random snowboarders passing me on every slope and lead off possible. 

The extremely friendly staff and skiers/snowboarders on the slopes and ski lifts, along with my more experienced friends that were keen to help me along the way, created an environment I will never forget. 

I am extremely grateful to each and every person who helped my peers and me on our trip up to Coronet ski field – and it will always remain a memory I wish I could re-live again.

On behalf of all Year 9 students from the past 25+ years - a massive thank you to Ms Riethmaier for giving up her time to plan, organise and attend our ski camps - they wouldn't have been the same without you.

Ryan Dailey

Special thanks go to the parents who willingly gave their time to support the staff and students on this camp: Jane Mitchell, Michelle Rule, Rachel McLauchlan, Talia O'Connor, John Edmond, Doug Hill and Justin Wafer as well as long-standing helpers and video producers, Karen and Evan Baddock.

Thank-you also to all the Year nine students who worked together so well, both on the slopes and back in the huts, to make this such a successful and memorable camp.

Jenness Riethmaier