At the start of the Christmas break, 36 Harrodians joined staff members including Headmaster Mr Hooke on the week-long Sixth Form ski trip to Val d'Isère
The pre-Christmas trip to Val d'Isère has become an institution in Harrodian's calendar thanks to its popularity with pupils and teachers alike. Headteacher Mr Hooke, (shown below with Mr Proudfoot and Lower Sixth Former Maia) an Alpine ski guide in his youth and still no slouch on the slopes, is its greatest fan. 'I love the Val d'Isère trip because it gives me the chance to share my passion for the mountains and skiing with Sixth Formers, most of whom I've got to know well.'
There's no dilly dallying in the chalets on the trip. Head of Sport, Ben Proudfoot, plans every detail to ensure the trip’s educational value is maximised. The party is required to be up daily for breakfast at 7.30/8am and out on the slopes by 9. There's also a strong emphasis on teaching and improvement, whatever the standard of the skier. ‘You have to take skiing’s physical and psychological challenges seriously,’ says Mr Proudfoot. ‘You need to be organised, to eat good food, stay hydrated and get enough rest. The programme is about encouraging good organisational skills and building the self-reliance and confidence you need to progress.'
The headway made by Raphael, a complete beginner, and by Frankie, Tenzin, Rosie and Thomas, who had only experienced one pre-trip session at the Hemel Hempstead slope, is a testament to the effectiveness of Mr Proudfoot’s approach. All arrived in Val d’Isère as beginners but had made excellent progress by the end of the week. ‘I saw Raph confidently go down on a red run on the final day,’ says Operations Director Alex Lisiecka, part of the team of accompanying staff and a qualified ski instructor, below with Head of Science Jak Cooper and Sport teacher Rhian Pegram. ‘He was absolutely flying by the end!'
The group didn’t expend all their energy on the slopes though and there was time for some aprés ski. Upper Sixth former Savannah celebrated her 18th birthday on the trip and the group marked the occasion by lunching at the famous ski slope restaurant La Folie Douce, following up with some live music in town later that afternoon and cake back at the chalet.
Adding to the excitement was the chance to watch American skier Lindsey Vonn reach speeds of up to 122 km/h as she placed third in the downhill race held in the resort on 20 December, just a week after taking first place in St Moritz.
The group were also able to watch the award ceremony afterwards, where eagles swooped in to present the medals, and later even spotted Lindsey around the resort.
Mr Proudfoot was happy to report that there were no major injuries, only significant improvements in ski technique and knowledge of mountain safety. 'The group were charming company, and I was delighted with the dedication, organisation and fortitude of the all the skiers and snowboarders,' he says.
To watch a short film edited by Lower Sixth Media Studies student Rosie, who went on the ski trip too as a beginner, please click below. Please note that due to limited footage, not every student was filmed skiing.