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The Stopfordian 2011–2012
SKI TRIP
The 2012 Ski trip to Mayhrofen, Austria began at a foggy
Manchester airport, with thirty two Senior School pupils and five
members of staff. The flight was relatively short, just under two
hours, and upon arrival we were soon to learn the temperatures
we were set to experience in the mountains, as we entered
minus 15 conditions as soon as we stepped off the plane.
Saturday, was the best day skiing of the week. Beautiful blue
skies, perfectly bashed slopes and great company combined
to make it a great ending to what had been a truly enjoyable
week skiing.
The first couple of days were spent in fair conditions, gradually
rebuilding our confidence on the slopes as some had not skied
for months, years or had never placed a ski boot on before!
On the Wednesday, however, we were met with treacherous
conditions and most of us assumed it was bad enough to
render us unable to ski as we all awaited any sort of news in
our hotel rooms. At 10am we got the message that the
instructors had managed to find places within the vast ski area
of the Zillertal Valley that were sheltered from the wind and
snow and where the visibility was sufficient for safe skiing.
We were all relieved to be going back out, as six days skiing
goes very quickly.
On the day of departing, we were given the opportunity to
visit the local swimming baths to unwind and give our bodies
some well earned rest. Some however, chose to brave the
waterslides which were scary even for a Sixth Former! To
finish off the day, before catching our return transfer to
Munich, we all got the opportunity to explore the beautiful
town of Mayrhofen and sample the local food. The meat
shop, opposite the gondola, provided fantastic sandwiches
which were very reasonable and quickly everyone from SGS
had one in their hand.
Each day provided something new for the pupils, from new
terrain covered, new techniques shown by the instructors and
different weather conditions. The final day skiing, on the
Once again we thank Mrs Muscutt for her time and effort
which is paramount to the success of this annual trip, but our
utmost appreciation must go to all the staff who make the ski
trip a truly memorable experience and retain its integral part
of the spring calendar at Stockport Grammar School.
James Gaskin (L1)
Trips 55