Snow Trip March 2023
After a long 3-year wait, following the Covid pandemic, a group of 7 pupils, 4 staff members and a volunteer finally left for the French Alps resort of Les Gets for a week’s snowboarding and skiing.
It was wonderful to be back at the Hotel Christiannia and we were so pleased to see the resort thriving again after such a difficult couple of years. This year we had a mixed ability group, some had been to the resort on previous years and so were working towards a higher snowboarding level and some brand new skiers and boarders. We were all so excited to be back and show the newbies around the village and finally get onto the slopes. Our instructors Marc, Amelie were also happy to see some returning kids and welcomed our newbies with support, encouragement and lots of fun during the daily lessons. Groups were split into smaller groups of similar abilities, and sessions were tailored to the needs and skill set of each young person. Marc and Amelie explored new runs, gently pushing the group to try something new each day. We are so proud of the incredible progress our kids made, with our complete beginner using the chair lifts and riding the blue slopes with ease.
Evenings were spent around the hotel having dinner, listening to live music, playing card & board games and exploring the village shops of Les Gets for souvenirs and gifts.
On the last day Marc and Amelie presented our kids with their medals at a small presentation ceremony in the Yeti. The group were a real credit to Headlands School.
Our snowboarding trips provide our young people with a unique learning experience, where they are encouraged to engage with new people, peers, places and activities. We find these opportunities develop our young people’s life skills, build on social skills, improving confidence and self-esteem. The more experienced of our young travellers are encouraged to support their peers in preparation each day for lessons, which enhances team working and communication skills. Our hope is that trips of this nature increase personal aspirations and motivation and we aim to visit Les Gets on an annual basis.