Latest News
Posted on June 12th 2017
Ski Trip to Switzerland
Thirty-nine Harris students (HIAC/HBAED) and six staff attended the Switzerland skiing/snowboarding trip during the first week of the Easter holidays.
Our journey from East Dulwich to Torgon took around 20 hours. Everyone was in awe of the picturesque surroundings. For some, the first time they had seen ‘real-snow’
The first 3 days we skied in Pre La Joux, where there were lots of beginners sloped to practice on.
Snowboarders: Within the first few days, the snowboarders could confidently use the magic carpet to get themselves up to the top of the beginner slope. Our boarders were becoming confident with their boards, all performing turns and jumps; some can even produce a 180-degree jump, quite an achievement after 3 days.
Beginner skiers: After the first few days, they were capable of using the magic carpet to get themselves to the top of the beginner slope and are comfortably travelling down, using the snowplough technique to turn and stop. They all fall occasionally, but show an excellent attitude and resilience to pick themselves back up.
Intermediate skiers: these were our skiers that had a small amount of experience and this group is absolutely flying. They could use parallel turns as they glide through the snow.
Advanced skiers: the advanced group showed an unbelievable amount of progression. These skiers are comfortable on the red runs in our resort
The second 3 days we went to Les Crosset, where there were many blue, red and black runs for us to explore. By this point, all groups had progressed.
Snowboarders: this group has grown in confidence so much. They spent the whole day on the red slopes of Les Crosets, performing twists, turns and jumps. All with incredible control and style. They looked like pro boarders as they come down the mountain!
Beginner ski group: This group have taken on incredible control and style in their skiing. They are all so confident on blue runs as they snowplough down following the line of their instructor. It is hard to believe that only a few days ago they were on the nursery slope falling over!
Intermediate ski group: Very impressively had built up enough confidence and had the technique to come out of Les Crosets and ski down to Avoriaz. This is incredible progression for our intermediate group.
Expert ski group: An incredible group. Their instructor said it was the best group he has taught their season. They could now steam through the red slopes with speed as they parallel turn. This group has seen some of the most amazing sights in the Port de Soliel as they have been almost everywhere.
During the evenings, we played dodge ball, roller disco and rock climbing on the indoor climbing wall and the last night we had a party/disco. During free time students played table tennis, pool and snooker.
On the Thursday evening, after all our skiing was completed we went to an outdoor spa to relax after our intense days skiing and snowboarding. It was lovely to relax in the warm baths and the views were spectacular.
Overall, The Ski Company staff were very fond of our group and enjoyed the different personalities we had. The ski instructors were amazed with our determination to achieve and the overall progress we made as group. The coach drivers said we were the most pleasant group they have ever transported.
This trip would not have run so well without a fantastic staff team. Mr May, Mr Matthews, Mr Belcher, Miss Richardson and Mrs Ives worked tirelessly to ensure every student in our care was supported to have the best time possible. They were the first up in the morning and the last to bed at night. They were on duty all the time making sure students ate, rehydrated, applied suncream, engaged with activities - they had very little down time. They also left their loved ones behind to support yours. Together, they made the trip what it was and allowed everyone to do so well.
Just a snippet of the positive feedback:
Thank you so much for all your hard work
Connor had such a great time away
He has some amazing photos also Connor has made new friends from Dulwich Harris he has been chatting away on X Box last night
And has said can I go again next year
Thank you again
Regards John & Sharon ( McCabe )
Thank you so much to you and all staff for keeping our children safe and making sure they had "an experience of a lifetime" as Kayleigh put it.
Thank you also for keeping us all up to date with emails and photos.
Kayleigh fell asleep at home whilst telling me all about the week, cannot wait until she wakes up to find out the rest. She loved it and cannot wait for the next one.
Thanks again to you and all the staff
Krystina Russell
We would like to say thank you once again for look after Rhys so well. He had an AMAZING time and am sure if this trip is annual, he will be at the top of the sign up queue.
Dawn and Garfield Beresford