A Week of Adventure and Achievement
A group of 49 enthusiastic Post-16 students from St Ciaran’s College, accompanied by five dedicated staff members, embarked on an unforgettable ski adventure to the breathtaking Lavarone ski resort in Italy. Over the course of five action-packed days, students honed their skiing skills under the guidance of experienced instructors, enjoyed exciting evening activities, and created lifelong memories on and off the slopes.
Hitting the Slopes
The students had the privilege of skiing on the stunning mountains of Lavarone, receiving five hours of lessons each day. While a few students had prior skiing experience, the majority were beginners, eager to master the basics of the sport. The week was filled with a mix of triumphs and tumbles, with students experiencing their fair share of spills and falls. However, their determination and perseverance shone through as they made impressive progress throughout the week.
The beginners started on the gentle blue slopes, gaining confidence in their movements and learning fundamental techniques such as stopping, turning, and controlling their speed. As the days progressed, many students advanced to the more challenging red slopes, testing their newly acquired skills on steeper terrain. By the end of the trip, a select few even braved the formidable black slope, an achievement that reflected their hard work and resilience.
Evening Entertainment and Team Bonding
Beyond the slopes, the trip was packed with entertaining evening activities designed to keep the students engaged and foster team spirit. The first night kicked off with a lively quiz, allowing students to showcase their general knowledge while bonding with their peers. Laughter and friendly competition filled the room, setting the tone for an exciting week ahead.
As the week continued, students enjoyed a thrilling night tubing session, speeding down icy tracks in inflatable tubes—an activity that provided plenty of fun and excitement. Ice skating followed, with some students gliding effortlessly across the rink while others spent more time perfecting their balance. The group also took part in a bowling night, where strikes, spares, and plenty of friendly rivalry made for an enjoyable evening.
Celebrating Achievements
The final night of the trip was a highlight for many. A vibrant disco and karaoke session brought everyone together for a night of music, dancing, and fun. Students showcased their singing talents in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, rounding off the week on a high note.
In recognition of the students’ remarkable efforts, an awards ceremony was held, celebrating a range of skills, abilities, and resilience demonstrated throughout the trip. Awards acknowledged everything from the most improved skier to the fashionista award, as well as those who provided the most entertainment with their dramatic falls and humorous moments on the slopes.
A Trip to Remember
The ski trip to Lavarone was an outstanding success, providing students with a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, push their limits, and form lasting friendships. Whether it was conquering the slopes, embracing new challenges, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of the group, every student took something special away from the experience.
The trip created a love for skiing but also reinforced the values of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. As students and staff returned home with stories to tell and memories to cherish, one thing was certain—this was a school trip they would never forget.
