Sun, Snow and Ski: Sunday 6.4.14

Wow, what an amazing day! Today defined the phrase 'action-packed'. I certainly don't recall Sundays being like this when I was 11 years old.

With the conditions as slushy in the afternoons and the forecast of sunshine until Wednesday, we changed the programme for ski lessons. Up with the larks for breakfast at 7.30 am and then off to meet the instructors at 9.00 am so that we could ski all morning, enjoy the best snow and draw maximum benefit from the lessons. A misty start at the top was quickly cleared as the sun worked its magic, but not before 20 brave boys snaked their path down - one behind the other - led by our guides. Really impressive skiing from these youngsters: most of whom were the 'beginners'.

It was great for the team of staff to ski with 4 different groups this morning and get a sense of their development and progress as well as to see the quality of teaching from the other side of the fence.

At 11.00 am all the boys gathered at a refuge in the mountains for snacks and refreshments and to enjoy a rest in the glorious sunshine.

With refuelled bodies the skiing continued and from the lifts we could see the confident Bickley boys involved in all manner of exercises, tricks and jumps dotted across the slopes and in the snow-park.

It was the right decision as the day grew hotter and hotter and the snow turned slowly to lumpy sugar.

1.30 pm at the bottom of the mountain: the rosy faced ski teams prepared for the hike home. Back at base for a picnic lunch - alfresco; ping- pong and boules in the garden; play time on the swings... (Yes swings...and it was their idea) and a quick photo shoot with a gorgeous back drop. The smiling faces are all shouting, "Hello Mums and Dads - we love you but are too busy to miss you!"

Next on the agenda was a bus ride down to the sports stadium in the village. There was an ice festival going on and we were invited to watch. Strangely though the boys chose to play football. The facilities were incredible: we passed the ice rink and the various indoor courts and emerged from the tunnel onto the pitch. The roar of the sheep was deafening!  4 mixed teams were selected and a mini tournament was held. Those not keen, played with the snow and invented ball & hole games at the far end of the pitch.

The bus journey home was surreal. It took 5 minutes to get there and 35 to get home. Along the way we picked up 6 cyclists, 2 with twin brothers, a Brazilian free-runner, who chased the bus twice and beat us down a hill by leaping through the forest, and 2 men selling fruit to the passengers. The unplanned tour of the village and town on the route home provided unbridled amusement for the boys and rounded off a great afternoon.

After another fantastic spread at dinner, including pasta, chicken, beef, mixed veg, salads and much much more the boys had their cinema night. Phew! They are all sound asleep now ... And so too am I.