On the Friday after Michaelmas Term ended, instead of enjoying a well deserved lie in 37 pupils from Forms one to three gathered on the quad for the departure of an eagerly awaited ski trip. Our destination was Alpe d’Huez, one of France’s top five ski resorts, which lies high in the Grandes Rousses mountain range. A full day of travelling by coach to Luton, air to Geneva and a bus transfer to the French Alps loomed ahead but spirits were high as snow reports recorded the resorts best pre Christmas snow in ten years.

The ascent to the resort was an experience in itself. As we navigated the 21 hairpin bends used for the Tour de France we left the clouds behind in the valley below and emerged in a moonlit winter wonderland. Arrival late that night allowed us just enough time for us to be fed, fitted with skis and boots before falling into a welcome sleep on our first night at the slope side Clubhotel Beausoleil.

Getting ready for the first skiing lesson was a challenge as most of the group had never been on skis before. The old hands confidently got on with it leaving the majority struggling with the teething problems of identifying their boots, getting them on and making their way to the slopes. A routine was quickly established by our four ESF instructors; two and a half hour lesson in the morning, home for a two hour lunch break including time to go and enjoy a hot chocolate in the town, followed by another two and a half hour lesson in the afternoon. The resort provided a great skiing venue for all levels with everyone making significant improvements as the week progressed.

Those who had started the week happily ‘duck walking’ were by the end of the week skiing down the blue runs with a degree of confidence. The advanced group covered most of the resort and successfully completed the Sarenne, which at 16km is the longest black run in Europe. The staff accompanying them also managed, although they had wished the pupils would have slowed down a little or taken a few more rests along the way. All of this was made possible due to superb conditions and excellent instruction from the ESF team.

Away from the slopes there was also much fun to be had. Evening activities included skating, swimming and time to explore the local area. The Karaoke evening provided a great night out and showcased a great deal of CCB talent with both the solo and group acts performing with plenty of enthusiasm and volume! A great time was had by all and a very weary crew made their way back to Brecon with some fantastic memories to share with family and friends – not to mention a few aches and pains!