Ski Report

41 Sixth Form Students and five staff from Cowbridge Comprehensive School enjoyed a superb ski course to the Alpine resort of Alpendorf, Austria, the week before Christmas. The snow conditions were fantastic and all the students and teachers improved their skiing ability and technique. In addition to the excellent skiing we were able to enjoy many activities that were organised by a local ski company, ‘SnowSlippers’.

The long journey was well worth it when we arrived to a snowy and beautiful Austrian landscape and the students began their ski lessons in earnest. The resort boasts pistes that will challenge the most able of skiers and also allow the beginners to master the sport. Off-piste was also available to the brave, who could challenge themselves by navigating their way through the trees.

Even after a full day of skiing, the students were able to enjoy a full range of activities that included a sledging competition; swimming in a luxury spa with an outside pool (in minus conditions!); a quiz organised by the Head of Entertainment for the trip, Mr Nathan Hopkins; a shopping visit to the local town of St. Johann and Austrian style bowling. As this was the week before Christmas, the students performed a Christmas carol concert, which was highly entertaining, and we were all wearing our stylish Christmas jumpers to add to the festivities!

On the penultimate day of our trip we undertook a slalom race for all skiers and the snowboarders competed in a points based event to show off their skills. The following are the results from the races: Group 1 Skiers – 1st Sam Stephens, 2nd Scott Sanger, 3rd Megan Allman; Group 2 Skiers – 1st Danny Gottschalk, 2nd Sophie Gottschalk, 3rd Toby Dobson; Group 3 Skiers – 1st Charlie Thomas, 2nd Charlotte Martin, 3rd Laura Thomas; Beginners Skiers – 1st Charlotte Price, 2nd Jade O’Leary; Advanced ‘Boarders – 1st Rhys Jones, 2nd Ben Llewellyn, joint 3rd Matt Logsdon, Elspeth Bisson; and Beginner ‘Boarders – 1st David Gee, 2nd Emily Renwick, 3rd Rhiannon Allen. Not ones to be left out of the fun, the staff also competed: 1st Mr Dai Griffiths, 2nd Miss Chloe Thomas, 3rd Mr Nathan Hopkins, 4th Miss Laura Hale and 5th Mr Dan Hughes.

The skiing ability was, as always, superb and we were delighted to award two prizes. The first to the most improved skier, Leighton Newman. The second prize is an annual presentation to be awarded to the most talented and able skier of the group. The Richard Llewellyn Memorial Cup was awarded to Sam Stephens as his abilities were praised by the Ski Instructor who also coaches the Croatian Olympic Team. Well done to both of you!

Our last day of skiing saw the group in fancy dress costumes that were impressive and unique. We were certainly the most colourful in the slopes that day with a range of superheroes, Father Christmases and elves, penguins, a bunch of grapes and a chicken!!

A Cowbridge Ski Trip is never the same without the infamous ‘Smurf’ award so the tradition continued! The ‘Smurf’ award is a daily award for the most funny/silly/daft event of the day. Many nominations were received with some of the best going to students for skiing over tree tops, falling over (no skis in sight!), and falling off a seat whilst sleeping!! The proud recipient of the ‘Smurf’ had the honour of wearing the superman pants over their ski outfits for the ultimate humiliation!

We must extend our gratitude to those who made our ski trip a memorable and enjoyable experience: the bus drivers Ed and Steve who safely saw us to the slopes every day and who drove us through Europe; SnowSlippers representatives Ilsa and Dan for their enthusiasm and organisational skills; Michaela the Hotel owner for great hospitality; the Instructors for their expertise and experience on the slopes; the staff for their hard work and enthusiasm at all times and of course the students for their excellent behaviour and humour! A very special thank-you should be extended to Mr Neil Thomas, Head of Physical Education, who organised the trip but due to injury was unable to join us. We would like to wish him a speedy recovery so that he will be back on the slopes for the next ski trip!

It was a great experience and adventure for all involved and we are already looking forward to next year!