Year 11 pupils returned from an action-packed February half-term ski trip to the stunning resort of Pila, nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Aosta Valley — and what a trip it was!
Before even setting foot on Italian snow, pupils had been busy preparing for the slopes. Over three weeks, they benefited from expert tuition at Pendle Ski, where they developed and refined the core skills needed for mountain skiing. The sessions proved invaluable, building both confidence and technique ahead of the adventure.
Travelling by coach during the February half-term break, pupils made their way across Europe to Italy, excited for the days ahead. They stayed at the welcoming Hotel Des Roses, conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Pila gondola, giving them quick and easy access to the slopes each morning.
Each day was spent skiing against the spectacular Alpine backdrop, with pupils making impressive progress throughout the week. From mastering parallel turns to confidently tackling longer runs, their determination and resilience shone through. The instructors were blown away by the pupils attitudes one instructor said,
“please make sure you pass on, to parents what a polite, friendly and ambitious group of young people we have had the pleasure of spending the week with. We would love to work with your school next year.”
The fun didn’t stop when the skis came off. Evenings were packed with activities including games, bowling, and plenty of delicious Italian food to refuel after energetic days on the mountain. The combination of daytime adventure and evening entertainment made for a truly memorable experience.
Staff at the resort were full of praise for the group. Ski instructors, hotel staff and other members of the local community repeatedly commented on how polite, enthusiastic and respectful our pupils were. They were described as a joy to teach and a pleasure to be around — a real credit to the school.
The trip was not only an opportunity to develop skiing ability, but also to build independence, resilience and lasting friendships. It is safe to say that the Year 11 ski trip to Pila will be remembered as a highlight of the school year. Addie said that…
“this trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity, with memories that cannot be made elsewhere.”
And Dan said…
“nobody can say that they didn’t have a great time, even if they were falling on the snow or bum shuffling down a red run!”
We are incredibly proud of all the pupils for embracing every moment of this fantastic experience. Mrs Stott said,
“I couldn’t be prouder of our pupils on this year’s ski trip. Their attitude, teamwork and enthusiasm shone through every single day. We received countless compliments from ski instructors, resort coordinators, and even members of the public about how polite, motivated and well‑mannered they were. They represented our school brilliantly, and it was a joy to lead such an outstanding group.”
You can view more photos on our Facebook album.