Internet Problems!

Sorry we have not updated the Blog for a couple of days, we have had some issues with internet access. We have loads of pics and stories that we will endevour to put online tonight. We have had a fantastic week and all the students have been great! They have all made huge progress with their Skiing and the conditions have been better than we could have dreamed for. See you soon.

Another outstanding day!

Another dusting of fresh powder greeted us at the top of the hill this morning and some of the best skiing conditions we have ever experienced. The Annamaniacs (Anna`s top group) headed straight to the highest point at First 2500m and above the cloud line. Whilst Simon`s beginners headed off to Bodmi, lower down the hill for their first taste of a button lift.
After an amazing morning of skiing, everyone made great progress and we all met up at lunch to share our experiences and wipeouts. After lunch Simon`s group joined us at the top of the mountain to encounter their first blue run. Another great afternoon skiing was had by all and we returned back to the hotel `buzzing` about our day.
We had another great evening meal of soup, pork and mash with spinach and apricot tart. We are currently settling down to watch Cool Runnings in our homemade cinema.
Tonights prizes went to Sarah Archer for wipeout of the day, for taking Sean Johansen out at the entrance to the bubble car and to Ryan Smith for advancing to the top group after only 2 days of skiing!
As the laptop is being used for the film no photos have gone up tonight.....but check out tomorrow for lots more pics.
Good night all!

International Ice Hockey Match Report!

The Ice skating tonight took an unexpected turn when we were challehged to a match!! The Californian Cougars took on the Newport Ninjas in an intenseley fought contest that saw Newport place a respectable second best 3-1(this was in part due to Newport fielding a side that included several 14 yr boys, a cheerleader, a 76 yr old ski instructor and serval staff who had never held a stick before). Jake Hillcoat spent more time on the floor than on his feet, Ashley frost was an animal in attack, Jack Buckley took out several Californians with his elbow and Sean Johansen kept out a flurry of american strikes when he came on as a late sub for Watty. Ryan Smith let the whole side down by putting on an opposition shirt(but we won't hold it against him for much longer than a year or two). The Bettws Fireflies gave an awsome display on the sidelines cheering our team on, even Nicole came on late in the second half to add here wicked slapshot!! A great time was had by all and the photo's are online now to have a look at.

First Day on the Piste!

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast we headed up above the clouds in the cable car searching for the sun...Didn't find it, but did find some awesome powder snow!
Those who had skied before headed off with 'Anna', their instructor for the week whilst those new to the mountains headed off with 'Simon' to take their first tentative steps. After some fantastic wipe outs and face plants (only joking) we stopped for a great lunch at the top of the slopes. The afternoon flew by!
Just got back, done bank and getting showered and changed for tonights dinner and apres ski which is ice-skating.
Check out the pics and see you all tomorrow.
Loads of love from all of us x

We have arrived safe and sound(but very tired)!

We have had an awsome first day. The students have been amazing all day and made what was a long day a great one. We have travelled on a coach, a plane and 3 differnt Swiss trains before arriving in Grindelwald to see it covered in fresh powder snow! We have had a wander around town, got fitted for our boots and skis, had a good dinner of chicken and chips with creme caramel for desert and are now going to bed to get some well deserved sleep. See you tomorow when you can check out our first day on the slopes. Good night.

Don't forget to follow the link to see the pictures.

Check out how we are getting on each day by clicking the link and viewing our picture gallery.

Today on the Slopes!

Snow on it's way!

Only two weeks left now and the snow is on its way. 75cm forecast over the next 6 days.

Keep and eye on the Web Cams and the Snow Report by following the links.

Thanks to all who attended last nights meeting. We hope you got all your questions answered and are looking forward to what will be a great trip.

Below are a few reminders that will help things run smoothly when we go:

If you wish for your child to wear a helmet, - parents please indicate this by writing it on the on the spending money envelope.

20kg Maximum of luggage allowance - Easyjet will charge if you go over.

Please take 'suitable' clothing for the evening events - so no heels or cocktail dresses please girls etc .

We will be having a 'silly hat' day so to bring a 'silly hat' - the sillier the better!

Any pupils who haven't brought in Passports/EHIC cards/Medical forms/Permission slips, etc need to bring them in ASAP.

Next year's ski trip is to Valloire in France at £695 - letters will be available after half term.

Thanks for your time and lets have a great trip!

The Slopes

Beginners

There are nursery slopes in Grindelwald and just above the resort, including the new blue piste at Oberjoch, and a 'slow speed zone'. Quick progress will be made with lessons from the excellent English speaking Ski Schools.

Intermediates

The full area Jungfrau Top Ski Region ski pass covers 213kms of pistes, providing almost unlimited scope for intermediates on a range of relaxing runs or more testing routes down the Kleine Scheidegg mountain. Highlights include the 8km run from Oberjoch down to Grindelwald and the powder slopes from the Eigergletscher to Wengernalp.

Advanced

Experts can try the famous Lauberhorn World Cup downhill piste, or the fearsome Black Rock run which starts at the base of the Eiger. If you can cope with any more then there is the famous black, almost vertical 'Kanonenrohr' in Mürren.

Snowboarding

There are two half-pipes in the region, a jumpers corner in Wengen, a terrain park at Schreckfeld and excellent runs for beginners.

Slope facts

Total kms of piste
213kms

No. of Runs

Easy
24

Intermediate
36
Difficult
15
Number of lifts
44 (2 funiculars, 4 cable cars, 2 gondolas, 4 mountain railways, 16 chairlifts, 16 drag lifts)

Longest run
15kms (Schilthorn-Lauterbrunnen)

Mountain restaurants
21

Snow Range
1034-3454m

Village Height:
Grindelwald: 1,034m (3,412ft)

Highest Ski Lift
2,971m (9,748ft)

Proposed Evening Activiy Programme

DAY	DATE	ACTIVITY
Friday	11th Dec	Ski-fit
Saturday	12th Dec	Curling
Sunday	13th Dec	Cinema
Monday	14th Dec	Ice Skating
Tuesday	15th Dec	Swimming
Wednesday	16th Dec	Tobogganing
Thursday	17th Dec	Presentation Evening Quiz

Fitness Training For Skiing

Fitness exercises for skiing, should not be ignored, as skiing is for most people a recreational sport that they participate in once a year. For this reason most individuals are poorly conditioned prior to their skiing activity, and pay the price of sore muscles, reduced time on the slopes and injury.

Start by performing the exercises with adequate rest between each different exercise until you get fitter. Once you can do the exercises and repetitions comfortably, work on increasing the number of different circuit exercises you can perform, or change the exercises for ones that are slightly harder - if you don't then your fitness will not improve.

Aim to do these exercise's twice a week, with at least 2 days rest between sessions. The main muscles used during skiing are those of your quadriceps (thighs), however a total body workout needs to be done, as all of your muscles will be used, and as soon as one of them becomes tire

d, your skiing ability will suffer which is when you have accidents.

The use of a Swiss Ball will improve your core strength, whilst aiding your stabilty and balance on the slopes. Performing aerobic exercises to improve your fitness will reduce your risk of injury, as you will be able to maintain and focus upon your skiing technique. Look at designing yourself a simple circu

it, whereby you will do a 30 - 45 seconds light jog / run, followed by 8 -15 of each exercise in a controlled manner.
On your first time around perform just the leg circuit, then the upper body and finally the abdominal exercises. Make sure that you do the lap jog / run after each leg / upper body or abdominal circuit.

Most accidents occur in the afternoon, this is due to both poor fitness levels in skiers, and the fact that as a recreational sport, most participates avoid both eating and drinking regularly. Maintain your food and fluid intake whilst on the slopes, preferably hot meals or such foods as flapjacks, and warm drinks.

Items You May Need!

Jacket and salopettes (trousers): a weatherproof outer layer of jacket and trousers provides the best defence against the element.

Ski gloves: these are a must, especially for novices whose hands come into frequent co

ntact with the snow.

A warm, comfortable hat: with 25% of your body heat escaping through your head, it’s a crucial piece of ski clothing.

Sunglasses: the sun’s rays are reflected off the snow, so full UV protection is essential.

Goggles: they are optional, but in snowy or overcast conditions goggles may be necessary.

Thermal underwear: these need to ‘wick’ away body moisture to help keep the body dry which reduces the chances of becoming chilled.

Thermal socks: it is recommended that you take at least 2 pairs of socks they can be alternated every day.

Suncream and lipsalve: protection against sun burn is essential as the sun’s strength at high altitude is very strong.

Ski ties: a pair of Velcro ties can make your life alot easier. They hold skies together when carrying or storing. You can write your name on them to identify your hired skis.

Snow boots/après ski boots or shoes: these should have grips on the soles.

Cotton/microfleece/polo neck top: these form your second layer and keep your neck warm. Cotton and fleece are used as they help to absorb moisture.

Fleece or sweatshirt: used for additional warmth. Fleece is used more often as it is light and has excellent thermal properties.

Small rucksack: Especially useful if out on the slopes all day. Ideal for carrying spare clothing, packed lunches and cameras.

Pocket money: no more than £130 put into separate envelopes for each day. Please remember to put name and day on each envelope and given to Ms Watkins.

50E room deposit: also placed in envelope with name on and given to Ms Watkins.

Towels

Medication/pain relief/plasters

European adapter if wishing to use electrical goods.

Hairdryer / straighteners

*Camera/MP3 player/Mobile Phones (at own risk)*

The Eiger

Click here to find out More!

Where is Grindelwald?

The Town

GRINDELWALD

www.grindelwald.net

The town

Grindelwald is the epitome of 'Heidi country': a unique alpine landscape and pretty village with a long mountaineering history that's dwarfed by the magnificent Eiger and Jungfrau. The main street buzzes year-round wit

h international visitors here for the scenery, walking and tearooms as much as the skiing.

The mountain

Despite the fact that some of Europe's most spectacular peaks tower above Grindelwald, the resort itself is low and its slopes predominantly gentle. Most in-resort runs pass through trees, with the better snow higher up at the base of the Eiger, making for diverse territory and long valley runs.

The ski area is divided in three: First (50km of pistes accessed from the eastern end of Grindelwald); Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen (100km of pistes at the base of the Eiger); and neighbouring Wengen (linked by lift). Acc

ess to Kleine Scheidegg/Männlichen from Grindelwald requires a train or gondola ride from the western end of town, both of which take 30 minutes and suffer from queues at peak times.

Grindelwald have invested heavily for the upcoming winter with three new chairlifts set to open in

December 2009. Look out for the Eigerbordwand 6-seater, Allmiboden 2-seater and Winteregg 4-seater chairs.

Hotel Jungfrau Lodge ***

Swiss Mountain

Hotel

3818 Grindelwald

Tel: 0041 33 854 41 41

Fax: 0041 33 854 41 42

email: info@jungfraulodge.ch

A small, family friendly, unpretentious hotel, the Jungfrau Lodge offers good-value simple accommodation and a friendly atmosphere, situated a few minutes’ walk from the mountain railway and centre, and close to a ski-bus stop.

The hotel is actually made up of two separate buildings which used to be separate hotels, which are located on opposite sides of the little main road into the village. The Crystal is a small modern block, while the Jungfrau is built in traditional Swiss chalet style. The reception for both buildings is housed in the older Jungfrau building on the right side of the road as one walks down from the station. It is small and cosy with the bar adjoining it. The decor is typically Swiss and rustic with a heavy wooden reception desk and low ceilings.

Jungfrau - Crystal Hotel : Location

This hotel is located close to the centre of Grindelwald just 5 mins walk from the station Centrally located 165km to the nearest airport: ZRH 0km to the nearest station: GRINDELWALD (500 METRES) The rooms vary somewhat in size, but on average they are small in size. Despite the two building's external differences the rooms themselves are surprisingly similar, being newly decorated to a high standard. Though essentially simple in style they afford guests every comfort expected of a hotel of this category and are in very good condition as are the bathrooms. The hotel restaurant is located just off the lobby in the Jungfrau building. It is also decorated in simple Swiss rustic style with heavy wooden furniture. The hotel is actually made up of two separate buildings which used to be separate hotels, which are located on opposite sides of the little main road into the village. The Crystal is a small modern block, while the Jungfrau is built in traditional Swiss chalet style. The reception for both buildings is housed in the older Jungfrau building on the right side of the road as one walks down from the station. It is small and cosy with the bar adjoining it. The decor is typically Swiss and rustic with a heavy wooden reception desk and low ceilings.

Travel Information

OUTBOUND JOURNEY

Meet at school bus bay: Friday 11^th December at 04:45am

Depart bus bay: Friday 11^th December at 05:00am

Check in: Friday 11^th December at 06:55am

Depart Bristol: Friday 11^th December at 08:55am

(Flight No: 6151 - EasyJet)

Arrive at Geneva: Friday 11^th Decmber at 11:35am

INBOUND JOURNEY

Depart hotel: Friday 18^th December at 07.00

Check in: Friday 18^th December at 10:15am

Depart Geneva: Friday 18^th December at 12:15pm

(Flight No: 6152 - EasyJet)

Arrive at Bristol: Friday 18^th December at 13:00pm

Estimated time of arrival at school:

Friday 18^th December 15:00pm