On Friday 13th February, the start of half term, 40 pupils and 4 members of staff from St Marks’ Catholic School boarded the Astons coach heading to the ski resort of Zillertal Austria. For many apprehensive pupils this was their first skiing trip for others they were hoping to improve their techniques from previous years.

After a long and tiring 21 hour journey due to Austrian traffic, the ski party arrived at Hotel Cafe Zillertal, their home for the week ahead. Ski hire sorted, rooms allocated, luggage unpacked.

Sunday morning arrived and after an early wakeup call from Ms Thomas and Ms Davies they set off to the beautiful Ziller Valley. Pupils were grouped and off they went to hit (some took this literally) the slopes! The slopes were glistening and the sun was shining, perfect skiing conditions. A successful first day was followed by 5 more days of skiing full of snow ploughing, parallel turns, ski lift dramas and spectacular falls.

Evening activities brought around the usual ice skating , nine pin bowling, quiz and games night , Tyrollean evening and the last night disco, all of which were great fun.

The trip was a great success, with no injuries and perfect weather. Thanks to all the fantastic Ski Astons instructors and the entire PE department especially Mr Greensmith for organising the trip.

Roll on next February when it will all happen again !

Tom Stitson St Marks Catholic School.