Ski USA 2020
A 2am start marked the start of a very long journey to Lake Placid, New York State. 47 year 9/10 students and five members of staff took part in our third visit to the USA. Lake Placid is a two time Olympic venue and provided us with five days of skiing at Whiteface Mountain. Many of the ski team had skied with us previously in Italy and it was pleasing to see how well they ‘stepped up’ to the challenges that the mountain and the weather provided. The last 2 days saw the groups skiing in powder snow and this was both challenging and rewarding. During the stay, there were a variety of activities organised including a visit to the cinema, bowling and a disco. An evening spent Curling in the Olympic ice rink was an enjoyable ‘first’ for us all. The accommodation at the High Peaks hotel was of a high standard and provided good wholesome food. The Whiteface ski school was well organised and staffed by friendly, helpful staff who were keen to make sure our time on the mountain was an enjoyable. The skiing instructors built a good rapport with the students who in turn enjoyed a rather different, more relaxed teaching style than that in Italy.
 
Following the skiing, the group set off for New York. On our way we visited a shopping outlet mall and many purchases were made! In the evening we ate at the Hard Rock Café and visited Times Square, with an extended walk to Madison Gardens and the Rockfeller building. On our final full day, we travelled on the Staten Island Ferry to view the ‘Statue of Liberty’, the New York City skyline and harbour. A visit to the 9/11 memorial site was deeply moving and our students showed an understanding and respect for this most important of sites. The trip to the top of the Empire State Building was literally the highlight for many of our students and staff. This was followed by lunch at Grand Central Station, a walk along Fifth Avenue and a visit to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. A walk around part of Central Park ended a very busy day and we headed to the airport tired, but happy.
 
Our joint Ski Italy/USA evening was an opportunity to share video, photographs, stories, certificates and prizes, marking the end of a great trip. We would like to thank Mrs Orton for organising the refreshments for the evening and helping to make it such a success. The student and parent feedback was very positive. In particular, praise was given to Mrs Murphy (party leader) on an extremely well organised trip, which the students really enjoyed and where parents always felt that the students were safe and in good hands.
Ski USA Team 2020