Forthcoming Events
Ski Trip 2010 La Tzoumaz, Verbier, Switzerland
29th January to 6th February 2011
As always, the main objective of the ski trip is to provide an experience which will enrich the lives of all who take part. Skiing and snowboarding provide an assault on the senses on so many levels: the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and definitely the touch of body parts against snow.
La Tzoumaz is a small Swiss village built at 1500m above sea level, some 90 minutes drive from Geneva. It provides superb skiing on its own side of the valley, and is also linked into the vast three valleys skiing area centred on Verbier in the next valley. As a result of its size, La Tzoumaz has developed into a resort based on individual private chalets rather than on hotel and apartment buildings. The charm and appeal of the resort is a major reason why so many of the staff were the same this year as last. BSM were the sole residents of the hotel which helps to engender such a close, friendly relationship amongst the skiers and snowboarders. The existing groups based on year groups at school, expand to become completely open and flexible. The mix between students throughout the week is great to watch. They speak to anyone, sit and eat with different people each day, they join in and help each other. It is a remarkable and refreshing change of style. This year we were joined by students from year7 to year 12. All of them had a brilliant time because of everyone else!
The weather this year was all inclusive from white outs to sunbathing, from minus 16 to plus 2 on the temperature gauge, dead calm to gentle breeze.
Once again this year there was a large group of beginners, especially on skis. Having instructors working with the groups for about 7 hours a day for six days works wonders with the skill level of everyone. The development during the week is excellent with everyone keen to display their style and skills on race day at the end of the week.
Waiting for a “perfect weather” day to film the GCSE skiers and snowboarders produced some stunning visual assessments which will be used to support their examination marks. Personally I think all students taking GCSE and A`Level should be required to be examined in skiing or snowboarding.
One of the highlights during the week was to hear the comment made by one of last years instructors that the British School were the best group she worked with throughout the season last year, and that she was looking forward to us coming again this year. Testament indeed! Another highlight was the addition to the staff of “Sher Khan” the one-year old huskie dog belonging to Nuno, who runs the operation in La Tzoumaz. His presence and attitude provided many a moment to treasure for everyone. The sight of him pulling his “Dad” down the mountain on skis at such speed was wonderful. It will be interesting to see how much bigger he will be next year.
The Ski Trip 2011 is already attracting huge interest amongst the existing students. We shall be skiing and snowboarding in La Tzoumaz next year during the Spring Term holiday from February 12 – 19th.
Details are available in person from Mr Taylor or Mrs Smith in the PE Department or via e-mail:
bsmskitrip2011@gmail.com
Andy Taylor June 2010
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Please check the gallery for pictures of previous events.
