Our first day of skiing did not disappoint! We have had a day of sunshine, smiles, wipeouts and lots of laughter.
The morning routines consists of a leisurely wake up at 7.30am, with breakfast arranged in each chalet. There is lots of choice and food to feed a village... they will not be going hungry!
We were picked up and driven to Annipuri where we met our instructors for the week. The small ratios of instructors to students means that beginners will progress quickly, and intermediate/advanced skiers will refine their techniques and be mastering challenging pistes in no time! Frank has managed to turn his ice skating skills into downhill skiing like a pro. Minako, along with some others decided to hug a few trees on the side of the piste, having slid a little further down the mountain than they expected. Panic not, the instructors were there to rescue them, amongst the fits of laughter.
James did a spectacular tumble which can only be described as something you'd expect to see on a social media meme. Rolling down the mountain over and over, picking up pace. Fear not, he lived to tell the tail and with a huge smile on his face.
Paro, along with Miss Curwood dropped poles of the chair lift... classic skiing fail. Shout outs to other staff fails today. Mr Osbourne for almost wiping out the lift operator and Coach Adam's ability to 360 after almost every turn. Those skiers among our readers will know that this is actually technically very hard to do! Round of applause to him.
Our evening has ended with snow shoeing and igloo making... plus of course... more snowball fights. We've eaten Ramen in a local restaurant and are now spending some time relaxing in the chalets ready for another jam packed day tomorrow.
Students are having the time of their lives. They are challenging themselves, failing and getting back up every time. Skiing is is hard work and resilience is key. They are smashing it. It is wonderful for them to be socialising, away from their phones. They will be heading to bed with fresh air in their lungs and memories to last a lifetime.
Day 3... pending!