The February half term saw the return of the annual St James Senior Boys’ Ski Trip, which this year travelled to Serre Chevalier in France.

This trip gives the boys an opportunity to get out of their comfort zone but it also gives multiple age groups the chance to interact with each other.

An early start and a long journey didn’t dampen the group’s spirits as we were following a weather system into France and were met with several inches of fresh snowfall which promised excellent conditions for the week.

Serre Chevalier certainly delivered. Near perfect snow conditions and blazing sunshine gave the boys the opportunity to progress at quite a rate.

The more experienced boys got to experience ‘off piste’ type conditions, ‘glade skiing’ and to play around in the powder. They also had the opportunity to trial ‘ski-cross’ and ‘downhill’ skiing.

The intermediate group focussed on learning how to ski with speed, control and grace, which allowed them to progress onto harder, steeper terrain as the week went on. As their confidence blossomed, they were also let loose in the jumps park.

Our beginners were the ones who saw, first hand, what hard work and resilience can produce. The first week on snow is never easy and it is a steep learning curve but all of the boys were fantastic. By the end of the week they were all capable of getting from the top of the mountain to the bottom which is a big achievement!

When not out on the slopes, the group enjoyed an action packed ‘apres ski’ programme including bowling, a movie night and a highly competitive quiz.

School trips are an important part of any well-rounded education and our Ski Trips add so much more value to our young men than just learning how to ski. This trip built courage and resilience, self-mastery and leadership and allowed the boys to make some memories, and indeed, some friendships, that will last a lifetime.

Well done to all the pupils and a massive thank you to all of the staff who gave up their half term to make this happen.

Mr Wassell – Director of Sport