Year 9-11 Ski Trip

On Sunday 4th September at 4pm, 45 enthusiastic Wang High Students met at the Phillipson Street bus stop to depart for Bright, base camp for two days of skiing at Mount Hotham. With Codie belting out ‘Love Shack‘ as a backdrop, the excitement built as we made the road trip with Ken the bus driver to the Bright Chalet. 

We arrived at the Chalet, ate a smorgasboard of delicious food. Then students went to the inhouse ski hire shop to hire ski gear before heading to bed, ready for an early start.

We rose bright and early at 5.30am and set off for Mount Hotham after a hearty breakfast. Getting 45 sets of skis, snowboards, and boots with individual numbers on them from under the bus was an interesting and challenging exercise in patience and systems, however everyone was great especially the first timers discovering how challenging it can be to fit ski boots on and walk in them. Ski lessons began at 8.30am. While the students were in the safe hands of their instructors the teachers ventured off to check out the runs.

After their first lesson it was the students’ turn to venture out. I am not sure what transpired in the lessons, but some students definitely needed a bit more time to learn how to stop! However, there were plenty of entertaining stacks to watch, and body throws sideways into the snow to save oneself.  It was a great day for heading off to a slope you were comfortable with, testing out new skills, sharing crash stories and having fun with friends. After lunch everyone took off again: skiing, snowboarding or building snowmen. At 4pm we boarded the bus. It's fair to say most students and teachers were pretty exhausted but pleased with their day’s adventures.

On Wednesday we had the luxury of a sleep-in compared to the previous day’s hopping on the bus at 7.30am. The sun was shining, the skies clear, and magnificent views were to be had all around. When we arrived at the slopes students disappeared onto their favourite runs while some took the Mt Hotham Shuttle bus to try out The Big D for a bit of variety. Leo entertained us by ploughing through a fence but somehow surviving unscathed. The lessons weren’t until 1.30pm this time so students didn’t have as much time to apply their new skills following their second lesson. At 4pm we headed back down the mountain dropping ski gear off and collecting bags in Bright before arriving home to waiting parents. 

From many and varied reports, I hear all students and teachers had a terrific time!

Kaye O'Kane