The annual Oaklands ski trip is a major event on the calendar for Year 12 and 9 students.

Information on the current trip can be found on Studywiz

Where?

The trip was run for many years under the leadership of the Head of the 6th Form Mrs. Hoar, but is now organised by Mr. Bamford.  Originally, the intention was to go to the French Alps, but due to unforseen circumstances the trip was switched to Villach in Austria over fifteen years ago and the school has been going there ever since.

When? 

The trip takes place during the February half term with the students leaving school on Friday and arriving back on the following Saturday. The school has always used coach travel as the means of transport and although this results in a journey of approximately 24 hours, it does provide the students the opportunity to experience other activities away from the ski slopes.

The Resort

One of the main advantages of the Hotel Ebner in Heilengengeist near Villach is that it is not in an actual resort. Given that the party on the trip consists of 120 people it means that we take over the whole hotel and enjoy all the facilities that it has to offer without having to venture elsewhere. There are ski slopes just outside the hotel, but for the best snow and ski experience the group ventures the short coach drive to the Gerlitzen mountain just to the North of Villach.

For more information on the ski resort click here (external link)

Skiing 

The students are split into groups of 10-12 and are given professional tuition from ski instructors employed by the Gerlitzen ski school. Members of Oaklands staff also accompany the groups and some of the staff are also qualified to instruct students on the slopes.

Evening Activities

As has already been mentioned, the school uses coaches to travel to Austria. This does result in a longer journey than if air travel was used, but it does mean that evening activities can be flexible. Activities include:

• Mass in Villach Cathedral on Sunday evening – this is a fantastic experience where the students attend a mass in German, but as we are expected, parts of the service are also in English and we are made to feel very welcome.
• Pizza in Italy – Due to the close proximity of Villach to Italy the students are given the opportunity to visit the town of Tarvisio and enjoy the evening meal in a real pizzeria.
• Swimming - After a long day on the slopes there is nothing better than enjoying a dip in the swimming pool at Villach!
• Ice Hockey – This is very much dependent on fixtures, but where possible the students are taken to the local ice rink to watch ice hockey matches.
• Supermarket and Presentation Evening – on the final evening, the students visit the local supermarket to prepare for their journey home and in the evening they receive the awards and certificates from their ski instructors.

Why go? 

There are many reasons, but the trip gives students the opportunity to experience a different country and a sport that can only be truly appreciated in the majestic European Alps. Many students enjoy the challenge of skiing and the conquering the summit of Gerltizen is the aim for all of our students!

Further information is avaliable from Mr. Bamford.

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