Despite COVID-19 restrictions forcing a number of events to be postponed, and cancelled, this year’s Outdoor Education Ski Trip to Coronet Peak went ahead.

Credit must be given to NZ Ski and the Otago Ski Club whose systems allowed us to proceed with the trip and for our assessment of the group’s skiing and snowboarding to happen.

While we encountered less snow than previous year’s, the main tracks still had a good covering of snow and the low overnight temperatures allowed for these conditions to be maintained. Fine days, with little wind also helped with the boys’ progression and ensured they had a good time.

With a number of experienced skiers and snowboarders in the party, confidence was high and all of the boys were able to get through the requirements of their relevant assessments on the final day. The assessment was done over two runs, on a blue/intermediate level track, where the boys had to demonstrate their array of skills and controlled speed. These, together with other video taken over the course of our stay, will provide evidence for their grades in the practical Standard.