Want a SkiBound reps' perspective? Here's how the magic happens...
The Resort
Alpe d’Huez is beautiful. Enchanting mountains surround La Vallée Blanche, so once the snow started to fall, it felt like we were in a snow globe! Alpe d’Huez is set around 1800 metres, so the snow we experienced was outstanding, along with being just a short walk from the ski lifts makes it ideal!
Having over eight years’ experience within hospitality, I am good at juggling several plates at one time, and this benefited me when arriving at Alpe d’Huez for the first time. Several weeks before our first school arrives in resort, SkiBound reps undergo extensive training in a variety of areas. As reps, we also had the opportunity to explore the resort and make connections with locals, so we knew Alpe d’Huez like the back of our hand before the first school ski trips of the season even started.
The Skiing
Alpe d’Huez is a great resort for all levels of skiers. There are some really tricky black runs, like Le Tunnel and the longest black run in Europe La Sarenne, but there is also a lovely area with lots of gentle blues and easy greens, which all lead to the same endpoint, making it perfect for beginners also. The younger students particularly loved Marcel's Farm as there are plastic cows to ski between and a big bell to hit at the end.
Although SkiBound reps cannot ski with the students, we loved hearing about their lessons on the piste and the challenges they overcame. A real highlight was seeing a school from Glasgow, who had their own ski slope at their school, speed down the piste. They were better than any of us seasonnaires by a mile!
"Those sort of personable skills really come out to play when on a school ski trip."
Before the school arrives
Before the schools arrive, one key task as a SkiBound rep is to contact the Party Leader. This is so we can provide them with an insight into their fantastic week ahead. Nothing is too much to ask for, if we can make it happen, we will! That’s what sets us apart from the rest: every trip is catered to the Party Leaders’ needs and desires.
Having this early contact allows teachers to take a step back, alleviating the pressures often associated with school trips. The logistics of ski fit were a highlight on changeover days. As soon as students arrive from their transfer into resort, we try and get them straight to ski fit. Ski fit is usually the first time the kids meet us as reps. Even though they’re often pretty tired, we always get some funny questions. “Which ski is for my left foot?” is always a favourite.
Another key task for SkiBound reps, which was oddly one of my favourites, was producing a spreadsheet indicating students' dietary requirements. We then communicate this to the whole team, and separate meals can be made specifically. That is what is so good about SkiBound: we care about each student, adapting to ensure everyone is included.
"Excellent communication throughout, and the resort staff Dom and Daisy were friendly, organised and supportive. A great all-round experience"
- Crosfields School
Day to Day for SkiBound reps
We were always around and available whenever the schools were in the hotel, whether that be to challenge the table tennis champion that week, or change ski boots that started to rub. Even when the schools were away from La Vallée Blanche, we were only a phone call away and were more than happy to answer questions or change plans when needed.
One moment which stands out greatly was towards the start of the season, we had a student who had injured herself and could not ski for the rest of the week. Whilst the rest of the school went to their lessons, I gathered some crafts, and we spent the afternoon creating coloured snowflakes to decorate the reception area. They were up for the rest of the season, and this just demonstrates how we at SkiBound are here to support and ensure that every child has a memorable trip.
The best thing about being a SkiBound reps is seeing students not only gain confidence on the slopes, but throughout the hotel and when interacting with our staff. Those sort of personable skills really come out to play when on a school ski trip.
One of my favourite moments was running our ‘Egg Drop’ après. Children would be in small groups and have the responsibility of looking after an egg. They had to name it, draw a creative face and provide a back story to their whole group. Teams are then given materials to create protection for their egg. The eggs are then dropped from a balcony. It was my favourite après activity to run as I knew the students would really get involved and get creative.
"That's what sets us apart from the rest, every trip is catered to the Party Leaders' needs and desires."
The Team
What is so great about SkiBound is that we all care so deeply about making the trips memorable, ensuring every child comes away with amazing memories. Most of the staff have English as their first language and have been skiing several times before the season. This means that staff can easily build a rapport and relate to the students’ experiences on the slopes.
Interested in making memories on the slopes?
For those contemplating whether a SkiBound school trip is worth it, I would say it’s not worth missing out on. The independence gained from sharing a room with friends or trusted to explore the resort, is incredibly beneficial to grow as an individual.
Having the responsibility of looking after your own ski boots allows students to learn organisational skills. Trying snails and learning some words from the fantastic French ski instructors, throwing themselves into the experience. Having the confidence to perform the Macarena during our discos showcases individuality. All these life lessons and skills can then be adopted back at home and in the classroom.
So, if you're interested in making memories on the slopes, speak to our sales team! Call us on 01273 244 570 or make an enquiry now.