We were met at Thurrock by our drivers, Norman and Mike, who have become a fixed and highly valued feature of the trip, over several years, not only getting us to our destination safely, but providing great company and assistance over the course of the week. Then we settled down to the prospect of 20 odd hours on the coach (the sound of Gameboys and PSPs accompanying us much of the way!)

 

Finally, on Saturday afternoon, we arrived in Niederau, to find it covered in mountains of snow – the perfect reception! Having booked into our hotel, found bedrooms, argued over beds and unpacked, we set off the ski hire shop to collect our boots, skis and poles. Last year this dragged on for over 2 hours, so we were much relieved to sort it out within 60 minutes.

 

By this time, we had also met our rep, Sarah, who had done a fantastic job in 2005 and was a similarly enthusiastic presence this year. 

 

After a much needed night’s sleep, we made our way to the Nursery Slopes on the Sunday morning. Two more experienced groups quickly progressed onto more challenging runs, with their instructors Dirk and Sonia (who has instructed groups for the school for 8 years). Both excitement and a certain amount of trepidation surrounded the two groups of beginners, as they set off for lessons with their instructors Linda and Ronarta. However, they soon made huge progress and, by the end of the first day, were skiing with much more confidence – after just a few mishaps and falls. It was certainly a benefit that the initial two days were gloriously sunny and surprisingly hot.

 

By Wednesday, both beginner groups had improved to such a degree, that they were taken up to the top of the mountain. By this time, Sonia and Dirk’s more experienced skiers had already covered many of the upper slopes. Even more impressively, by the end of the week Roberta’s beginner group had managed two Black Runs and Linda’s had descended a Red Run that, from the Gondola, looked as though it was a near vertical drop!

 

On the penultimate skiing day, the boys took part in a race, in their groups and this, sadly, was where the only significant injury of the week occurred, when one boy hit a pole and fractured his collar bone. With remarkable resilience he still managed to get up and ski the rest of the way down the slope! After a quick check and expert strapping by the local doctor, he was soon tucking into a pizza and Apple Strudel.

 

All the groups were extremely well behaved and attentive to instructions and many compliments were received, both from the instructors and the hotel owners, about their attitude and good manners!

 

Our Après Ski was almost as entertaining as the prospect of whizzing down the slopes at x mph. On Sunday evening, we admired the incredible skills of the ski instructors, as they put on a night time display. This was followed on successive evenings by skittles, swimming (where the whirlpool and slides provided thrills) a horse drawn sleigh ride and the medal presentations and fancy dress parade.

 

A special mention must be made of the staff who accompanied the boys on the trip: the drivers Mike and Norman, our rep Sarah, Mr Fear, Mr and MrsWhitehead, Miss Abell, Mrs Jones and - of course – Mr Jones, who tirelessly organises the entire trip so successfully year after year. An additional mention must also be made of the local cafes of Neiderau, where much needed supplies of Hot Chocolate and Apple Strudel were frequently indulged in…