Skiing in Bormio, Italy

82 students and eight staff in two coaches left GGS on Easter Saturday for the annual ski trip, bound for Bormio in Italy. 

First we had to navigate the Port of Dover. To our astonishment, especially given the press comments on Good Friday about long, long waiting times, Dover was almost empty. We even managed to get on an earlier ferry! Our overnight drive across France, Switzerland and Italy went without incident although it rained heavily overnight—we crossed fingers that this would be falling as snow in Bormio. 

In daylight the following morning, our route took us alongside beautiful Lake Lugano and Lake Como. We arrived tired, but excited, at Hotel Miravalle, just outside Bormio. It was still raining but gradually the rain turned to snow and continued for hours, raising hopes for Monday morning’s skiing. Our first evening was spent settling in and finding our way around the hotel. Our hosts were very friendly and the food plentiful. Rooms were a mixture of old and new, with lovely views over a valley with a river running through.

Day 1:After ski and boot fit—always a bit chaotic—our beginners headed off for the slopes and for most, their first contact with mountain snow; intermediates and advanced skiers showed off their skills in the hope of impressing their instructors. It was still overcast but the snow of the previous night lived up to its promise and a good day’s skiing was had by all. Exhausted but buoyed up by their exploits on the slopes, students were treated to a quiz night on the first evening, compiled by staff and enthusiastically joined in by students.

Day 2: saw sunny skies and great snow—at the top of the resort at 3000m, the snow was perfect. We were treated to stunning views across the mountains. Our advanced group were putting a lot of miles under their skis; intermediates and beginners alike were making great progress. The evening was pizza night at a restaurant in town (in two shifts due to the number of students!) with lovely homemade pizzas.

Day 3: saw more sunny skies and more progress by everyone. The evening was scheduled to be a disco but turned into a Karoake evening—great fun for all with students enthusiastically joining in, some better than others! 

Day 4: sunny skies again. Progress was being made by everyone with some students moving up groups very quickly. 

Day 5:more sunny skies and good snow. Beginners were moving up the mountain as they found their ski-legs and were full of tales of their adventures. Intermediates were trying the more difficult slopes and the advanced skiers were getting to know the mountain extremely well and having great fun. Evening activities on days 4 and 5 were swimming one evening or exploring Bormio to do shopping and finding gifts for family and friends. The pool complex had just about everything—including an outdoor pool with an amazing backdrop of the slopes.

Day 6: our last day’s skiing. Encouraged by their instructors, all our skiers took part in a timed slalom competition, expertly commentated on by Miss Lewis and Mr Amo-Agyei. Certificates for ski levels attained were handed to students by their instructors before we returned skis and headed back to the hotel for quick showers and a final meal. We presented our own certificates and then headed off for the long journey back to Gravesend. 

Thanks to all the staff for making the trip run smoothly. We’re looking forward to returning to Bormio and Hotel Miravalle next year. HJH