Pupils recently returned from an exceptional Senior ski trip to Sauze d’Oulx in Italy, describing it as one of the most memorable school experiences to date, despite a very early departure from Bookham, Surrey in the middle of the night!
After travelling via Turin, the group arrived to find themselves immersed in a spectacular alpine setting of snow covered mountains and bustling ski shops, all before many felt fully awake. The week was blessed with excellent weather conditions, with clear blue skies and consistently cold temperatures ensuring that the snow remained in superb condition throughout.
Over five days on the slopes, pupils of all abilities made remarkable progress. Beginners, many of whom started the week simply focusing on staying upright, quickly gained confidence and skill. By the end of the trip, they were successfully using chairlifts to reach higher slopes and tackling red runs with control, an achievement they found both surprising and rewarding.
More experienced skiers took full advantage of the extensive resort, exploring a wider range of slopes and embracing longer and more challenging runs. Lunchtimes became a highlight of each day, with pupils enjoying Italian paninis while relaxing outdoors in the sunshine, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
The itinerary extended well beyond skiing, with a full programme of evening activities adding to the overall experience. Highlights included an exciting piste machine ride up to a mountain restaurant, which proved both thrilling and slightly daunting. Pupils also enjoyed sampling local cuisine, with pizza proving a popular choice and a nearby creperie becoming a favourite stop after a day on the slopes. The quality of the hotel food was also widely praised.
Additional activities brought variety and entertainment to the trip, including a visit to the cinema, a lively round of corridor bingo, a town based scavenger hunt and the challenge of walking up a ski slope in crampons. While the uphill effort tested resilience, the descent, often involving sliding and the occasional fall, was met with laughter and enthusiasm.
The trip also provided valuable opportunities for pupils to socialise and build connections, including making new friends from other schools. Pupils returned home tired but extremely happy, having shared a week filled with achievement, adventure and camaraderie.
As one of Manor House School's core values, #unforgettableexperiences was truly brought to life throughout the week, with pupils embracing every opportunity and creating memories that will stay with them long after their time on the slopes.
The Sauze d’Oulx ski trip has been hailed as a fitting and memorable Senior experience, leaving pupils with lasting memories of their time on the slopes.
