Skiing in the USA

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Created: Thursday, 11 April 2013 13:36

Written by Lee

Over half term 26 students and 3 members of staff travelled to Stowe, Vermont on the annual ski trip which also including a stopover in New York.  This was a joint adventure with Guthlaxton College.  

The trip had a slow start with a cancelled flight due to the adverse weather conditions in Boston, however it was to our benefit as Virgin Atlantic kindly put us up in a 5* London hotel overnight with dinner and breakfast provided.  The next day the group set off on the mammoth journey to Stowe, with a seven and a half hour flight into Newark Airport and six and half hour transfer to Stowe, arriving in resort at 5am.

 
The next five days were spent skiing in Stowe Mountain Ski Resort.  The majority of the group had never skied before, including two members of staff.  The first two days saw a steep learning curve and all the beginners were off the nursery slopes by the beginning of day three, with the majority of the groups skiing more difficult blue and black diamond runs by the end of the week.  In the evening students got to experience a taste of American culture, by attending a High School ice hockey game, cinema and bowling.  After a great five days skiing, the group set off to New York for a dose of retail therapy at Woodbury Common Shopping Outlets and sightseeing.  Our first stop being the Empire State building as the day changed from light to dark, one amazing view, then onto Times Square, where students were able to soak up the atmosphere of a bustling city.  The group ended the evening with dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.  The following day involved a whistle stop tour of New York including the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, China Town, Ground Zero, Central Park, the Trump Towers and Fifth Avenue.  A wonderful time was had by all and I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank all staff and students involved for making a memorable and successful trip.
 
Mrs Richardson – Ski Party Leader 

Billy Joyce (year 13) said It was awesome, a brilliant experience. I made lots of new friends from Groby and Guthlaxton. 
Would love to do it again someday.  I’m sad it’s over.    Alex Bennett (year 11) commented that the trip gave both colleges an
opportunity to take part in an activity which is hard to come by in the UK and even in Europe with the tree skiing.  Along with the
bonding opportunity it showed us the American way of life.  Laura Brett (year 11) said is was such a memorable trip from the
skiing to New York City.  Highlight had to be being at the top of The Empire State building during sunset and the atmosphere of
Times Square at night.  Ellie Tyers (year 11) wanted the amazing trip to be longer as it was both educational and enjoyable.