Bright and early on Monday morning this week, the year 13 PE classes and four teachers set off on their adventure to the Waiorau Snow Farm (Cardrona Valley, Wanaka). Excitement levels were evident with the positive chatter taking place as students loaded the bus. Five hours later, we arrived at the Snow Farm. We were quickly and efficiently issued our boots, skis and poles for the week ahead and began our first lesson of ski school.

Due to heavy snow forecast that afternoon and evening, we made an early departure towards Meadow hut, initially in sunshine and cloud with a moderate breeze. This shortly turned to stronger winds and snow. Despite only have just learnt the basics of cross country skiing, students handled the elements like troupers, and it was not long before we reached our home in the snow. Plans to pitch tents were discarded, and we settled into our new abode and enjoyed the comfort of the fire and a hot cup of soup and cabin bread inside the hut. That afternoon and night, we had never seen so much snow. It didn’t take long for students to be running and jumping around playing in the winter wonderland, letting out shrieks of excitement and laughter.

The next morning we awoke to snow still falling, leaving approximately one metre of snow. As we opened, the hut door, snow had piled up in the doorway and had covered up approximately half the length of our ski’s that were placed up against the exterior hut wall. After a quick call through to the Snow Farm office on the hut radio, we were informed it was closed and there would be no ski lessons for us today. No worries, we made our own fun! There were card games and mafia to play, and more playing in the snow. By lunchtime the snow had stopped falling, the sun and blue skies were out, and it was the perfect opportunity to learn the technique of cross country skiing interspersed with the building of snow sculptures, the odd snow ball fight and skiing off-piste on the fresh powder snow not far from the hut. We were in heaven, and that afternoon was definitely a highlight of the trip.

That evening after dinner, while some students were checking the weather forecast on the mountain radio and others were enjoying another game of mafia we received the news that New Zealand was going into a three-day level four lockdown beginning that night at 12pm. After the initial shock and disappointment we would have to leave this amazing environment that blessed us with such beautiful snow, we went to work making plans for our early departure. Tuesday evening we packed as much as we could and then headed off to bed. By 9am the next day we were ready to get on the skis and make our way back along the 4km trail to the main lodge. It was quite a contrast to day one, with the snow glistening in the sun and blue skies above.

On arrival at the lodge, we unloaded our gear, had a quick snack and drink and headed back out for one last ski lesson and assessment of our ski technique. Despite only having had limited time to practice and perfect our technique, everyone gave their best effort and can feel pleased with what they achieved in such a short space of time.

During this trip students also had to reflect on the safety management issues related to the trip and this year will have certainly given them much to learn from and write about. Each year, this trip provides plenty of wonderful experiences and memories for students to talk about, and this year did not disappoint.

Many thanks to the students for their continual positive attitude and willingness to make the most of the opportunities this trip provided. To the fantastic teachers, Michelle Matthews, Katherine Boomer and Megan Graamans, that helped to make things run smoothly and the trip an enjoyable one.

I would also like to acknowledge the amazing staff at the Snow Farm for their support during the three days we were there, particularly when dealing with the COVID situation, as well as the staff back at school (Ms Young, Mrs Clements and Ms Dick) who communicated with the appropriate people to assist us in getting home quickly and safely, plus keeping parents informed.