Whitcliffe Mount Business & Enterprise Collage

We are running a ski trip for the new pupils arriving at Whitcliffe Mount. This will be a great way to make new friends early on at a new school.

It will follow the same format, in the same resort, with the same company, as the West End Middle ski trips that have been run since 2003.

Easter 2013

• Parents and pupils pre-visit meeting : tbc
• First deposit £75: Friday 11th May 2012 (however, places are first come-first served)
• Second deposit £125: Friday 29th June 2012
• Final full payment: Friday 12th January 2013
• Depart : Fri 29th March
• Return : Sat 6th April (during Easter holidays)
• Cost £840

Parents Meeting - There will be an opportunity to buy/hire equipment and clothing from 'Snowkit'. They accept cash, cheque and card, although their card system relies on a working connection through our school network so cash and cheque are more reliable.
This trip is aimed at both complete beginners (the majority of the pupils) and skiers alike.

Saas Fee Facts

• Saas Fee is situated in the south west corner of Switzerland and is the second highest resort in Europe.
• Due to Saas Fee being a traffic-free village, we will be staying in the smaller neighbouring resort of Saas Grund, in a hotel called The Heino.
• The rooms are ensuite with 2/3 beds. There is a DVD projector room and table football in the hotel.
• Meals are excellent and home-cooked, and we will also have a night in the pizzeria.
• There are local activities such as ice skating, bowling, bobsleigh 'rollercoaster', tubing, ski trampolining demo, fireworks and disco, some of these are dependent upon snow/ice conditions.

Once on the slopes, the pupils are taught how to ski. The instructors come out with us from the UK, and spend the whole time with our group. We have worked with the same ones for many years. This means that the pupils can ski for as long as they like with someone they know and trust and can easily understand too! The instructors have worked in the resorts for many years.

We are there to learn and to have fun! Skiing, sledging, soft snowballs and even snowmen are the order of the day.

The views are breathtaking, the scenery stunning, and the snow is some of the best you can ski on. The children return with new skills, new friends, new experiences and memories that they will forever treasure.

• Guaranteed Snow - Gower have never had to cancel a holiday; move a group to another resort or bus clients to a glacier in 40 years of their business.
• Quality, Safe Snow - The high resorts offer a good depth of snow throughout the season. As a consequence, Ski Gower has a very low accident record.
• All-day teaching - The instructors provide teaching for usually a minimum of 4 hours a day, often 5 or 6, limited only by the weather and the fitness of the students themselves.
• Safety is of course paramount at all times from leaving school to returning. We only use modern, fully equipped coaches, modern ski equipment and the accommodation is fully safety-checked. All members of the party must wear helmets (to be hired) when on the slopes.
• We have to complete a full risk-assessment before departure detailing every possible aspect of the trip, which minimises the chance of accidents and also ensures everyone knows what to do in the rare case of such an occurrence. Mr Tyson has completed a week long ski leaders course, qualified as a Alpine Snowsports Course Leader, giving him added awareness of safety and the training to organise the trip safely and deal with any mountain safety issues as they occur.

KIT LIST

• There is a possibility that danger and discomfort are suffered by inadequately clothed young skiers in cold and high ski conditions, even in the sunny mountain climes at Easter. We would remind you that exposure to cold, wind and altitude are an inevitable part of the fun of learning to ski. However, there is NO problem posed as long as the correct clothing is worn.
• Outer clothing MUST be windproof; snowproof; sealed at the extremities with collars, cuffs, drawcords etc. Layers of clothing should be used under this external shell to give the required protection for the time of the year. The sensible skier will dress for blizzards with vest or T-shirt, cotton polo or ski shirt, light sweater or fleece, if needed, plus the outer ski jacket (anorak) with salopettes or an all-in-one ski suit. Layers of clothing can always be discarded in good weather but remember you should NEVER ski without gloves or with bare arms.
• Below is a list of basic items required by skiers some of which can be adapted from normal wear, some which is specialist equipment, but all of which is ESSENTIAL.
• SKI JACKET/ANORAK & TROUSERS or SALOPETTES OR SKI SUIT.
  These should be snow and windproof; warm yet lightweight, sealed at the extremities, with sufficient room for under garments. Windproof hoods are often concealed in the collar.
• HAT/BALACLAVA.
  Essential to retain body heat in cold weather. Headwear must ALWAYS be taken on the mountain, just in case, (it can be very cold on the ears first thing in the morning on the chair lift!). Helmets may be taken but are not a requirement in Switzerland (current advice from Education Authority is that it is a parents choice)
• GLOVES/MITTENS.
  Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves and are more suited to mid-winter; those who suffer from bad circulation or those who fall over a lot! They should NOT be vinyl or wool but be tough, warm, waterproof and sealed at the wrist.
• COTTON POLO/ZIP NECKS OR SIMILAR.
  Not nylon or similar as this causes excessive sweating and can chill. A cotton vest or T-shirt underneath adds to the layer effect and if it is very cold a medium or lightweight wool sweater or light fleece ensures warmth. Long johns may also be useful to keep the legs warm under the salopettes.
• SOCKS
  Usually only one pair at once is worn. The modern ski boot is insulated and two or more pairs of socks make it difficult to control the skis. Two or three pairs can suffice if they are rotated and rested. They must be loop-lined or wool but NOT nylon or rugby socks as these can cause blisters. They should be almost knee length.
• GOGGLES/GOOD GLASSES
  These are essential to give maximum protection from the intense glare from the sun and the reflected light, even on cloudy days. NEVER ski without eye protection, snow blindness can permanently damage the eyes. Goggles are best used when snowy conditions and glasses when sunny. Both are useful, if only buying one, I would use Goggles.
• SUN CREAM (HIGH FACTOR)
  This is essential every day and needs re-applying at lunchtime as it rubs off during the day. Cream must always be taken with you onto the mountain. It must be of a high factor; preferably high altitude glacier cream, even if you think you have tough skin. Protection against the sun's UV rays; reflective light and the mountain wind is very important. Do not even think of skipping the cream to get a good tan - it could cause you to miss a day's skiing.
• LIP SALVE
  Just as important as the cream to protect from the sun; prevent chapping and painful cracking. It must be applied frequently all day. Brightly coloured sticks are popular but remember they are usually TOTAL block.
• GENERAL
  Trainers should be fine for all outdoor use at that time of the year, the pupils are provided with ski boots for the mountain. Ideally, they should have separate footwear for indoors. Personal medication, travel sickness pills if needed, inhalers, cameras, toiletries (shower gel, soap, hair shampoo, feminine hygiene, toothbrush, toothpaste), nightwear, warm casual clothes, evening wear, travel adapter, music player, wallet. Remember that all equipment is taken at your own risk, and that you are responsible for looking after your own.

Sample packing list

• Sports bag/suitcase - salopettes, hat, gloves, goggles/glasses, min 2x pair ski socks, min 2x long johns/thermal top/t shirt, suncream and lip salve, clothing and underwear for the week, nightwear, towel, travel adapter, swimwear, trainers for indoors.
• Rucksack/coach bag - toiletries, food, drink, wallet, music player, camera, bring ski jacket onto coach to use for warmth in the night. Bring a pillow for comfort on the coach.
• To teacher - money and medicines

Skiing is tremendously exhilarating but as with any specialist sport it is very important that you have the correct clothing in order to reduce body-heat loss. The weather in the mountains can be severe and at high altitudes, rapid changes in temperature are commonplace. Remember warm muscles work more easily and are less easily injured!!