School ski trips are no longer the preserve of the very wealthy. Nor are they seen these days as just a holiday for students. For many, they form a key part of the PE curriculum and with the massive improvements to flight times and local airports; easier access to ski resorts across Europe has opened up a whole world of possibilities for this growing market.

Unlike some sports on the National Curriculum, skiing is an ideal activity for any student group. It’s not a difficult sport to learn and it relies on technique rather than strength or fitness.

If you don’t have time to read our whole page, click the link below to read a short summary about what we believe are the biggest benefits of a school ski holiday,

“Skiing is a great leveller,” says David Adkins, Director of Communications at Dulwich College Prep School in South East London. He has taken a large party of boys to Obertauern, the highest ski resort in Austria, for the last four years. “It’s not just the sporty rugby players who do well. Very often, boys who are new to the sport, who may struggle with the traditional P.E. curriculum, discover a talent for skiing.”

As it is an individual rather than team sport and has no intrinsic element of competition, many students who have previously shown little or no enthusiasm in sports often discover an unexpected aptitude and skill for skiing.

“Skiing demands completely unique physical skills,” says Tanya Drew, Head of Secondary at Dubai British School, “so often even students who struggle with more traditional sports do well on the slopes. “

The benefits of school ski trips are more than just physical, as Adkins explains.

“I really do see my students change and grow up over the week we spend in Austria. Having to take responsibility for themselves even if it’s only for a short time is very good for them.

“Last year we took 47 boys and there was an excellent pupil to instructor ratio, especially for the seven beginners who all quickly improved enough to be able to ski with the rest of us directly from our hotel to the meeting point up on the slopes.

“Everyday the boys had five hours of instruction – we had five ski instructors dedicated to our group. After our ski lessons, there is plenty of time for other activities. Every day we had a hot lunch in a mountain side restaurant. Again the owner is very friendly and there’s a great atmosphere.

“On other days we went snow shoeing in the woods and tried some bum boarding, where you sit on what is essentially a tiny drinks tray, holding on to a little handle. Because our trip coincided with Obertauern ‘S Winter Festival, we went to a ski show and watched some amazing synchronised skiing, jumping and other feats. In the evenings, we took the boys bowling, had a very funny Karaoke night, did some flood-lit skiing and organised a quiz night. There’s really very little time for boys to miss home. They’re busy and active all the time.

“Everyday the boys had five hours of instruction – we had five ski instructors dedicated to our group. After our ski lessons, there is plenty of time for other activities. Every day we had a hot lunch in a mountain side restaurant. Again the owner is very friendly and there’s a great atmosphere.

“On other days we went snow shoeing in the woods and tried some bum boarding, where you sit on what is essentially a tiny drinks tray, holding on to a little handle. Because our trip coincided with Obertauern ‘S Winter Festival, we went to a ski show and watched some amazing synchronised skiing, jumping and other feats. In the evenings, we took the boys bowling, had a very funny Karaoke night, did some flood-lit skiing and organised a quiz night. There’s really very little time for boys to miss home. They’re busy and active all the time.

“Every year we’re out in resort making sure all our students get the most out of their ski trip,” “It’s a real pleasure to see even the beginners after just a few days high up on in the mountain. They’re having the time of their life and, almost subliminally learning a life skill. Skiing is like riding a bike, it’s best to learn early and once you’ve cracked it, the skill will stay with you for the rest of your life.”

Adkins says he also sees his boys grow on their trip: “It’s great to watch the boys develop over the week. They have to work as a small team, living and getting on with the others.  I especially like it when a boy who is usually quiet at school, really comes out of himself and is bubbly and loud out on the slopes.”

“I’ve also always found my ski trips a great leveller,” says Drew. “Students of all ages and abilities develop a great sense of camaraderie and team spirit. I’ve seen many students with low self esteem grow in confidence over the week. This is true of all school trips, but for me, no other school excursion can provide such a unique experience.”

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