This year our ski trip was to New Hampshire, just outside Boston. The group of around 75 pupils and 8 teachers met at Spafield very early on the 24th of March before heading to Dublin airport. Some of us started off in good time, leaving Patrick Crookshanks following behind due to an alarm that didn’t go off! However, luckily, we all made it to the airport on time for our flight. About 5 hours later we arrived in Boston and got the coach to our hotel in Loon which took another 2 hours through the snow covered countryside. The hotel was superbly situated with a view looking out on to the white mountains, the excitement was palpable. We were all very excited to get onto the slopes the next day.
Dinner was a selection of soup, bread, fruit salad and a main dish which everyone enjoyed. The evening was pretty relaxed and we returned to our rooms after dinner and most people were passed out asleep by 9:30pm!
We had an early start the next morning at 6am as we were skiing in Waterville which was about 20 minutes away by coach and had to fit our skis and boots before our lessons. We were divided into groups based on our ability and assigned to an instructor. We spent two days in Waterville and after we moved to Loon for three which was right on our doorstep. The instructors were good fun and taught us well. The beginners progressed so well they were able to negotiate some black runs by the end of the trip.
We had lessons from 10-12 every day which brought us up to lunch time. Lunch was at a restaurant at the bottom of the slopes and there was a selection of Pizzas, burgers, chicken and chips which were true American style! After lunch we had another 2 hours skiing and then were back in the hotel for about 4pm each day, giving us time to relax before dinner and aprés ski. Activities such as the cinema, swimming in the hotel, shopping in the outlets, awards night for the trip and Mr Quigley and Mr Henderson’s famous quiz were arranged.
On our last day, we went to Boston shopping before we headed to the airport where I’m sure many dollars were spent! We all made it to the airport in one piece, with no major injuries and no one slept in this time!
The journey home was uneventful until we arrived at Dublin airport when we realised there was one less suitcase than we set off with poor James Wright!I think everyone will agree that this trip was definitely one of the highlights of our school experience to date. It was very well organised and everyone had a brilliant time, and I’m sure, wouldn’t hesitate if offered to go again. I would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Henderson and the other staff who really made this trip such an amazing experience.
By Lucie Moran 13D