So all things considered our school was pretty legendary for taking us to Switzerland: 20 rowdy tweens and two dishevelled looking PE teachers all on route to Villars for ten days. Some of us had never hung out before so once we got on the plane we determined who was going to ski or snowboard and who was going to bunk together.
A stupid number of hours later we arrived at our chalet, were assigned our rooms, and invited to attend the orientation and hot chocolate evening. There were four instructors: Phil from New Zealand who taught beginner snowboarders, Pierre from Switzerland who taught beginner skiers, Tina from Canada who taught experienced snowboarders, and Nick from Venezuela who taught experienced skiers.
I was one of the beginners, most of us were, so the first few days were messy. Some kids didn’t bring the right gear, some kids got injured, and some got into real trouble for nearly injuring themselves or someone else. However, once we got the hang of it (and our instructors figured out who to keep a close eye on) we got to explore all sorts of terrain. Even the beginners managed to try their legs on some challenging black runs!
Most days we would hit the slopes, meet up for lunch, get back on the slopes then ride all the way back into town. It was so convenient that we could take backcountry tracks almost to our doorstop! The evenings were full of ‘après ski’ activities like games, hot tub chill sessions and snowball fights. Strong alliances were forged in the chalet, even the instructors got in on it. That was all fun and games then, but it was it’s own deal once we were out on the mountain.
I know I can get a little competitive but things really kicked off during the skiers versus snowboarders race. Since we couldn’t go all at once, the race was split to find the fastest of both groups, who would then compete for the ultimate prize: a fresh-off-the-shelf, giant bar of Toblerone. With so much at stake it came down to eight of us, flanked by our instructors to keep us from veering off track. I remember pushing off as hard as I could before tucking in for the long stretch to the finish line, seeing only one other skier pulling up behind me. After such a sweet victory I was all too happy to share the reward with my peers. There was no way I could get that thing through customs anyway!
Before flying back home there was an awards ceremony. Our teachers had certificates and medals for just about everyone, and more giant Toblerones to give away. Our achievements aside, we thanked the instructors for keeping the show together. Venezuelan Nick got the “Special Hero” award for carrying a kid who’d lost both skis (somehow), on his back whilst he himself was only on one ski! I mean if that doesn’t deserve an Oscar I don’t know what does!
