Day 5

Day 5 : Another sunny day in skiing paradise... Miss Balls Blog

This morning started slowly for the whole group as the long days, mountain air and lots of exercise well and truly kicked in. As a consequence breakfast was very quiet as everyone is now into the routine of making their packed lunches for the day, sorting out how little they can take to the mountain, or get someone else to take for them and finally applying enough sun screen to prevent what we now term the Homer Simpson look (Harry Newton starting the trend!!!) 

We arrived at the resort via the gondola to be greeted by another day in skiing paradise; sun, exceptional views across a stunning mountain range, few people on the slopes and our skiing instructors Falka, Mark, Rick and Eli with excited smiles ready for a great day of skiing. Before we began each group gave a present to each instructor as a big thank you for their time and effort. I have to say I think these are some of the best ski instructors  I have worked with over the many years I have been privileged to go on school ski trips and the pupils have really enjoyed their company and learnt so much.

I went with the top group this morning to video some our our GCSE PE students, stopping off at the action park to do the timed slalom run and straight line speed test. Best time for the slalom was Henry Mitchell with 25:52 seconds, which was very impressive and several registered speeds in excess of 70km per hour on the downhill run . We took our time today as this group has literally done miles and miles and miles of skiing. On day two alone, from painful experience we skied across the whole range and thanks to the wonders of modern technology and a ski tracker app, we skied a total of 12 miles over mostly red and black runs and I can tell you my quads felt it trying to keep up with them. 

At lunch we met up with the second group and swapped stories about the falls and tumbles that had happened and possible TWONK nominations. Myself and Mr Cross joined the group for a while to see how they were advancing and I am pleased to say they have come on leaps and bounds, even Pizzeria (Rohan) has signs of a parallel turn!!! The funniest part of the day however was watching the carnage following their attempts at some jumps. The aftermath of one such jumper (Harvey Thorpe) will no doubt be in the picture reel as Mr Cross captured the mess that ensued.

Three of the four groups this afternoon were on the main mountain and it was lovely to bump into all of them together when having a mini break on the piste half way down a red run. 34 Humphrey Perkins pupils clogged up part of one of the busiest piste but it was great to see how supportive they were to each other, particularly group three, who for  the first time this week were on a challenging run high in the mountains. This group were complete beginners at the start of the week, most had not put ski boots on before, let alone skis, yet here they were in control going down a red run in the Austrian Alps being cheered on by all their peers. 

Everyone this evening, has gone swimming in Bruck just 10 minutes away to enjoy the flume and for some the jacuzzi to rest weary muscles which they never knew they had. Some of the boys will appreciate a good wash before the end of the week!! And to let let off even more steam after a hard day on the slopes followed by reenergising food and sweets.

The start of packing has begun with only one more day in this wonderland of contradictions. At the base of the mountain this afternoon temperature gauges registered 24 degrees Celsius and people are wondering about in shorts and t shirts, the mountain flowers are blooming and the birds are tweeting announcing Spring whilst around us snow capped mountain are desperately holding on to winters grip. With any luck by this evening we might see bedroom floors not covered in clothes and some order restored. 

Friday has come too quickly. An early start to get kit squared away; as RSM Cross says, onto the local bus, up the mountain, ski, down the mountain, onto the bus, return rental equipment, back to the hotel, quick shower, eat, pack bus and leave before 4:30pm. Wow Friday will be tiring. But hey what's new this week.

Signing off 

Yours 

Sarah Ball 

.... What Miss Ball also forgot to tell you was that she had a second attempt at the slalom today, managed it past Turn 2 but wiped out at turn 3... Can she make it tomorrow on her final attempt or will she admit defeat to the pupils, the staff and everyone else that can make it to the bottom!!! Stay tuned!!! (Mr Cross ;-))

Pics from today....

Mrs Hanford

Mrs Hanford... Seconds later!!

Mr Clissold (to prove to his mum he is still here!).. Not impressed with having to pose!! ;-)

Rosie serious about her pizza!

Speed trails...

Harry & Cross... And yes, missing a razor!

Twonked out

Slalom time:

Selfie bomber

Beginner group on the red!! Awesome

Williams down! But not out!

McKinder in the red groove minus the shrieks!

Earning the title of twonk!

Presented by Mr Pizza himself.. A well earned twonk!!

Cracking day and night overall.. Last day tomorrow :-( (already!) gonna be a tough day but can't wait to see all groups at the top of the mountian ripping it up.. 

Until tomorrow... Mr C