Day 3: Do you want to build a snow man?…..1.0

Leaving for the slopes!

This group are certainly early risers! We met for an ‘early’ 7am breakfast and were surprised to see 34 eager, ready to go faces. Students were decked out in their ski gear in anticipation of their first introduction to the slopes. 7.30am rolled around and the team were on the bus and keen to hit Mt Hutt.

Snow Boarding Team photo

Upon our arrival students were equipped with boards, skis, boots and wrist guards in preparation for the day ahead. Led by Mr Wood (Ski-instructor xtraordinaire/Risk taker) and Mr Melchiori (Double black run snowboarder/Fearless team leader) the more experienced students Thomas, Nemo, Alydia, Jamie, Ian and Roan took off for Highway 72, whilst the other students began their beginner level ski/snowboarding lessons. 

There were many spills had as well as bumps and bruises acquired by the first timers on their skis/boards; however, the fearless students took it all in their stride (after all, when 3 year olds are overtaking you it would be embarrassing to quit).

Getting the hang of it

Following our morning lessons we regrouped for lunch and made plans for which slopes we would tackle next. Some of these attempts would be very impressive; others ended in students tumbling down the hill or being assisted by the first aid staff, not for injuries, but to help in the recovery of the lost skis left behind on the mountain. Overall the experience was character building and definitely taught us all not to attempt expert hills on our first day…… or listen to Mr Wood.

Thomas & Nemo our step in instructors

Snowman 1.0 .....our first attempt

Thomas and Nemo impressed us all by stepping up as the afternoon’s snowboard instructors for some of the struggling boarders. Others decided to retire for the afternoon opting for snowball fights and snowman building, during what would be our first experience of snow fall. With many sore and battered legs and bums, we headed back down the mountain to Ski Time for a warm shower and to prepare for dinner. 

Mr Melchiori being schooled in Uno

The evening saw more heated ping pong competitions and Uno matches, while others perfected their driving skills on Mario Kart. Of course dedicated fans stayed up to cheer on the Cowboys in their semi-final game, although in accordance with bedtime rules, our two hour time difference meant that everyone had to go to bed before the full time siren.