During February 2025, forty two pupils and five members of staff travelled across Europe to embark on the annual ski trip. The long journey across Europe was smooth and made more comfortable and entertaining due to the accommodating service of Delta Coaches and their drivers, Denny and particularly Jonno and Mandy. A very meandering thirty one hour bus journey took us to the very picturesque Austrian province of Kitzbuhel. The pleasant climate (a feature for the whole week) and fresh mountain air was exhilarating, as pupils and staff began to feel the buzz of being around the snow and experiencing the local culture of Austria. A good night’s sleep in our Hotel, some continental breakfast and after a quick ‘Guten Morgen’ to our hosts, the party travelled by bus to the ski resort to be fitted up and kitted out for the week, with skis, helmets, poles and boots. Our ski rep for the week was Durk from Holland, a welcomed Liverpool supporter. The peaks were covered with over a metre of snow and the valley had a good half metre of snow cover, ensuring perfect skiing conditions (even though it had not snowed since before Christmas!). We donned our equipment and headed out to meet our Ski Reps for the week. It was a beautiful, crisp, sunny morning, as in small groups of varying experience, we made our way to different starting points in the resort. Chair lifts took the more experienced skiers and staff to the higher slopes. As confidence increased over the week, great progress was made by all participants, with all pupils making it up on the chair lifts to the top of the mountain. All 42 pupils had an amazing experience on the slopes and at all times they were fantastic ambassadors for Woodchurch High School. Back at base, the views from the hotel were exhilarating, overlooking the valley, with snow filled peaks, acting as an amazing backdrop. The hotel staff were lovely and meal times were always a great opportunity for everyone to catch up on the day’s events. Early nights and late mornings ensured we were always prepared for what the mountains had to offer. The exception being the traditional pizza night! Before we knew it we were being whisked off by coach to start our journey home. During the overnight drive through Europe, pupils were able to reflect on those instant memories, as thoughts started to shift to the excitement of seeing their friends and family, to share what was a memorable experience for all. We hope this trip has ignited a passion for skiing in our pupils and built up their aspiration to ski again and enjoy the delights of Europe in the future, after this brief taste of life on the piste! The teaching staff were also able to reminisce on the homeward journey, stating that this group of pupils were fantastic and an absolute pleasure to take on such a culturally active life experience!