Ski Trip to Bardonecchia in Italy

During half term, a group of staff and students travelled to Bardonecchia for this year’s ski trip. Nestled in the Italian Alps close to the French border, Bardonecchia offers a wide range of slopes suited to all abilities and provided the perfect setting for another memorable week on the snow. Several Year 13 students returned for a second year, keen to build on the progress they made previously.

The trip began early, with students and staff meeting at Newcastle Airport at 3.40am on Sunday morning. After flying to Milan via Heathrow and completing the coach transfer to the resort, everyone was ready for a good night’s rest before heading out onto the mountain the following day.

We arrived following a week of significant daily snowfall, yet were fortunate to enjoy bright sunshine throughout our stay. Layers were gradually removed as the week progressed and sun cream quickly became an essential item. Conditions on the slopes were excellent, allowing all groups to make strong progress.

Students were organised by experience, with a small number stepping into skis for the very first time. By the middle of the week those beginners were confidently using ski lifts and tackling higher slopes, a testament to their resilience and determination. The more advanced groups enjoyed exploring the full extent of the resort, including skiing on the Olympic run used during the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics, a real highlight for many.

Across five days, students completed five hours of skiing each day, three hours in the morning and two in the afternoon. Pleasingly, every student skied each morning, demonstrating commitment and enthusiasm from the outset. Lunch was taken at the bottom of the slopes on most days, with one memorable lunch enjoyed on the mountain itself. Evenings provided opportunities to relax and socialise, including a pizza night in the apres ski bar. For those feeling brave, the Alpine Coaster proved a popular and exhilarating activity.

As ever, the students were excellent ambassadors for Durham Sixth Form Centre. They supported one another, embraced challenge and represented the centre superbly throughout the week. Most importantly, all students returned safely, tired but immensely proud of what they had achieved.

We look forward to sharing details of next year’s trip in due course.