How SkiBound supports an international school ski trip

13 May, 2026 in France, by Daisy Mae Shuttleworth

4–6 minutes

Our 40-plus years of expertise extends far beyond UK schools, our knowledge of school ski trips helps to support schools across the globe. We sat down with Nikki Woodroffe, Expeditions Executive at North London Collegiate School in Dubai, who has been running SkiBound international ski trips for years. Hear why Nikki keeps coming back to SkiBound, for her international school ski trip.

Speak to our international school ski trip experts

Ski Trip Experience

Can you tell us a little bit about your school?

"North London Collegiate School (NLCS) is a private school in Dubai. NLCS is a day, co-educational school with approximately 2,000 students."

How long have you been organising school ski trips, and how many times have you worked with our company?

"I have been involved in leading ski trips for over 25 years, and have loved using SkiBound for over 20 years for a wide range of destinations like the US and France."

How does SkiBound's service compare to other ski trip providers you've considered or previously used?

"The level of service I receive when using SkiBound is extremely professional, with friendly, knowledgeable staff. SkiBound understands how to deliver core elements of a successful trip to a high standard. You understand the importance of customer relationships and I have felt supported by you guys for many years."

Coming from a region like Dubai, where you have local indoor ski slopes, what makes a ski trip abroad particularly valuable for your students?

"I believe it is so important to maintain a thirst for learning and jumping at the opportunity to take on a challenge amongst our student body. There is something uniquely humbling and invigorating about a mountain landscape that traditional indoor ski slopes cannot replicate. Differing weather conditions, different types of ski terrain, and a vast variety of ski slopes provide a great platform for skiing progression."

The Vallee Blanche Clubhotel

Our SkiBound Clubhotel, La Vallee Blanche, is a frequent destination for your ski trips. What do your students enjoy most about staying there?

"The location in resort is excellent, with mountain views and in-house ski fit which is very efficient. The hot lunch makes such a difference for our students and the SkiBound team at the Vallee Blanche are superbly trained."

Does La Vallee Blanche cater to international school groups in terms of meals and dietary requirements?

"Absolutely! Every effort at the Clubhotel is made to recheck dietary requirements on arrival. The Clubhotel team also makes a huge effort to identify and connect with students who have dietary requirements, and make sure that everyone is eating well throughout the trip."

"The Luge is one of the apres activity highlights, even after a long day on the slopes. Also, the ESF presentation at the end of the week is so impactful. The presentation given by the ESF instructors is indicative of the strong and positive relationships built between the students and their instructors. It also highlights the increased skills, progression and confidence achieved!"

Learn more about the Vallee Blanche

Pastoral Benefits

How do you feel a SkiBound ski trip supports students' wellbeing, independence and resilience?

"Outdoor education can provide huge benefits, not just in terms of skill progression, but in terms of social development and independence. Whilst we do no ban mobile phones, we do limit usage by setting firm boundaries at certain times. These include no phones during ski lessons, at the dinner table, or overnight. We find that the students initially crave their phones, but as the week goes on, students integrate more, appreciate social time above screen time, and reach out to retrieve their phone less and less.

Through the busy schedule, with much to organise in terms of both equipment and themselves, students become more organised, self-reliant and independent. Parents often comment how their children return from the ski week more confident and independent, appreciating their extra layer of life skills acquired along the way. The character development is of huge added value, particularly when returning to the school environment."

"Last year we took 90 students with a massive spread of abilities from beginners to advanced. The intermediate skiers made the most progression, with over 60% of all students skiing the longest black run in Europe by the end of the week! The ski progression and increased self-confidence was most rewarding to see."

What advice would you give to other international teachers planning a ski trip for their students?

"When investing in a ski trip to Europe, which involves a long-haul flight, it is imperative to consider the altitude resort to ensure snow can be more guaranteed. To help adjust to time zone differences, particularly for children, choosing a flight which arrives in the middle of the day, allowing adequate time for a transfer to resort, ski fit and supper at the normal time, will help them enjoy their first day on the slopes."

Are you interested in a European ski trip for your international school? Why not start an enquiry to learn more!

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