Hurst Lodge School hits the slopes in Le Corbier

February 2011
We arrived in the evening to be met by Thierry our chalet manager and our reps from Equity Ski Nick and Doug, all of whom helped to make our stay a pleasant one.  We shared our accommodation with another school, Rivington and Blackrod High School from Bolton in Lancashire. After a rather shy start on both sides, our pupils gradually warmed up and started mingling in true Hurst Lodge style.
The first day of skiing was a sunny one.  The conditions were a little icy after a continuous spell of 28 days of brilliant sunshine in the Alps. However, our ESF instructors were patient and always in good humour. We had snow showers on Tuesday night which made for amazing sights and much better skiing conditions. 
Good natured fun was had by all, both on and off the slopes.  Many a fall off button lifts and the occasional wipe out left us all in stitches. A certain member of staff who will remain nameless, innocently followed the crowd like a lamb before the slaughter and became a piste basher on the red moguls for the afternoon. After a few jetes, and falling graciously with good humour the said member was exhilarated to be alive!  However, other members of staff did elephantine runs down all slopes powered on by the thought of making it to the messieurs. “Eagle” had lots of amusement watching “elephantine” and “graceful” falls, he also had fun on the jumps (we won’t mention a particular landing!!!)  We were appropriately sympathetic when pupils did have the occasional hit.  However, thankfully we all returned in one piece.
Our après ski was varied.  Rivington and Blackrod High School and Hurst Lodge had many a memorable evening. Our mutual introduction was a bingo night in the dining area, the entertainment continued as the week progressed.  On our 2nd night we were treated to a complex display of jumps from professional snow boarders and skiers. Our pupils and staff alike were in awe of the power and brave aerial tricks before our eyes.  Directly after this we had a majestic display of fireworks on the mountains against a clear night sky - what a treat!  We also had an evening of bum boarding with the staff watching on as the pupils whizzed past squealing with joy.  Other activities included a mixed quiz, Natasha Hutt and Maisie Caen-Reilly together with their friends from Rivington came 2nd after a competitive night. Some of our ladies went to the local swimming baths and were “refreshed” with a dip in the outdoor pool.  Needless to say we abandoned the plan to take the whole group the following day.  Our talents shone on the karaoke evening with everyone having a turn, (not least Mr. Eagle) no longer shy in the company of their new friends.  On the last night Miss Cadogan led a brief dance warm up with Mr. Samson leading everyone into the night with an African Social Dance which all of the pupils from both schools enjoyed.  On the whole, we had a brilliant week, with everyone having achieved new goals by pushing their own personal boundaries, whilst making new friends.
Quotes of the week included:
“I don’t want to leave, can we stay another week”
“How long does it take to drive to Bolton”
“Faster Mr. Samson faster”
“Will the fireworks start an avalanche?”
“How is your backside Mr. Eagle?”
“May I disinfect your door handle?”
“Miss Cadogan, when can we have our sweets back?”
“Where are we going next time?”
“Please can we come back again?”