Ski Trip 2025 - NISEKO

Day 7 - Farewell to the Slopes

The final day on the slopes was met with challenging conditions—strong winds whipped across the mountains, and at times, visibility shrank to just a few meters. Despite the tough weather, the group remained in high spirits. This was their last opportunity to carve through the snow, and they were determined to make every moment count.

The day began with an extended morning session, pushing everyone to refine their technique one last time. Once returned to the lodge, a well-earned, delicious lunch awaited. It was a chance to warm up, refuel, and reflect on how much progress they had made throughout the trip.

The afternoon was dedicated to celebrating their achievements. Everyone gathered for a special awards ceremony, where each coach proudly presented certificates, recognizing the students’ progress, perseverance, and accomplishments.  One of the highlights was watching the synchronized skiing videos—a fun and impressive display of teamwork and coordination. The videos would soon be shared with parents, allowing them to see just how much their children had learned and enjoyed themselves on the slopes.

After the ceremony, it was time to pack up and tidy their rooms—an easy task for some but more of a challenge for others, who faced a scene resembling a black slope covered in knee-deep powder! 

Tonight, the group will make their way into Hirafu village for some last-minute shopping, picking up souvenirs and treats to bring home, followed by a grand finale - an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and laughter at the closing disco and karaoke party. 

Tomorrow morning will be an early start to make our way to the airport. Although the trip has been a fantastic adventure, everyone is excited to return home to Bangkok and reunite with families❤️. 

Day 6 - Snow, Skiing, and Taiko Drumming!

Day 6 in Niseko brought even more snow overnight, transforming the slopes into fresh powder. The students were excited to test their skills, with the fresh powder providing a new challenge for their synchronised skiing (videos tomorrow). Conditions weren't easy but they took it in their stride.

As the day unfolded, it became clear that new friendships had formed throughout the trip. It seems like the bonds between the students have deepened quickly; it's been great to see students cross years groups getting to know each other. During their lunch breaks, some students turned the snow into their playground, experimenting with making ice cream in the snow, while others enjoyed searching for treasures in the form of unique icicles.

In the evening, the group was treated to a traditional Japanese drumming performance called Taiko. The students had the chance to try their hands at drumming themselves, and while their attempts at synchronisation didn’t quite match their skiing skills, they still had a blast.

Quote of the day comes from Amy in Year 9: “You’ll find friends wherever you go.” It’s wonderful to see how the group has come together, enjoying every moment of their Niseko adventure!

And a little teaser for tomorrow – stay tuned for the much-anticipated awards ceremony, where their synchronised skiing performances will be judged. It promises to be an exciting end to their time on the slopes! 

Day 5 - New Resort, New Adventures!!

A fresh layer of snow overnight meant we woke to the sound of snowplows clearing the roads—a welcome sign of great conditions ahead. After a filling breakfast, we geared up, ready to explore new terrain at Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Hanazono.

Having spent the past few days refining our technique on the beginner-friendly slopes of Annupuri, we felt ready to challenge ourselves. The new resorts offered steeper runs, deeper snow, and a change of scenery, making it the perfect opportunity to put our skills to the test.

Once back at the lodge, it was time to refuel with a snack and unwind. The common area quickly filled with laughter as everyone gravitated towards their favorite games—Jenga teetered on the brink, Connect Four matches got competitive, and table tennis rallies kept players on their toes. Meanwhile, a few focused on puzzles, determined to complete them before the trip ended.

Dinner was another treat from the amazing chefs, this time a delicious serving of san choy bao followed by carrot cake. The fresh, crisp lettuce cups filled with flavorful meat and veggies were a hit, making for a satisfying meal after a long day.

The evening wrapped up with a quiz, testing our general knowledge across a mix of topics. Some questions had us feeling confident, while others sparked debate and a few wild guesses. It was a fun way to wind down, with plenty of laughs and friendly competition to end the night.

Day 4 - Final Day on Awesome Annapuri 

Wow Wow Wow! Everyone came out onto the slopes today with a big smile and a keenness to ski to the best of their ability. Weather today, in general, was much improved and allowed the photographers to get out and capture some amazing shots. 

Scroll down to see what we got up to during the day... 

 Later in the day, once the sun had set...

Based on yesterday’s skiing, the students were regrouped to match their abilities, allowing them to push themselves at just the right level. It was incredible to see how much progress they had made in such a short time—many students even took on the challenge of a red slope! The determination and enthusiasm on display were inspiring, and the sense of accomplishment was evident in their smiles.

After a rewarding day on the slopes, we headed back to the lodge for a well-earned dinner, complete with a delicious apple crumble for dessert—a perfect way to refuel after an active day. The evening was spent unwinding with puzzles and board games, where friendly competition and teamwork filled the room with laughter and energy.

Upon arriving at our cozy lodge, the Les Elfes team helped us settle in. Everyone eagerly unpacked, fitted their ski boots, helmets, and, for some, their ski jackets and pants, gearing up for the adventures to come.