There are school trips you enjoy, and then there are school trips that stay with you long after the snow has melted. Our recent ski trip to Pila, tucked high above the Aosta Valley, was absolutely the second kind.
From the moment we arrived, it felt like we’d stepped into a postcard. Fresh mountain air, sweeping alpine views, and perfectly groomed slopes set the stage for a week that balanced adventure, learning, and plenty of laughter. For many of our students, this was their first time skiing in the Alps—and Pila turned out to be the perfect classroom.
Each morning began with excitement buzzing through the group as helmets were fastened and skis clipped on. The students were split into ability groups, and it was incredible to watch their confidence grow day by day. Beginners went from tentative snowploughs to smooth, controlled turns, while more experienced skiers challenged themselves on steeper runs and longer routes. The sense of achievement at the end of each day was written all over their faces.
But this trip wasn’t just about skiing. It was about teamwork, resilience, and independence. Students learned how to support one another on the slopes, how to persevere after a fall, and how to manage their own equipment and schedules. There were moments of nerves, moments of triumph, and countless moments of encouragement shouted across the snow.
Off the slopes, Pila delivered just as much magic. Evenings were filled with shared meals, games, and stories from the day—often accompanied by sore legs and big smiles. These quieter moments gave students the chance to bond, step outside their usual friendship circles, and build memories together that simply don’t happen in a classroom.
One of the highlights was watching students who were initially hesitant completely transform by the end of the trip. Seeing them proudly ski down runs they would have avoided just days earlier was a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when they’re challenged in the right environment.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible instructors and staff in Pila, who were endlessly patient, encouraging, and enthusiastic. Their expertise helped keep everyone safe while making sure the experience stayed fun and motivating for all abilities.
As we packed up and headed home, the tiredness was real—but so was the sense that we’d shared something special. The trip to Pila wasn’t just an amazing ski experience; it was a chance for our students to grow, connect, and discover what they’re capable of beyond the school gates.
If the goal of a school trip is to inspire, challenge, and create lasting memories, then our time in Pila exceeded every expectation. We’re already counting down until the next adventure.
Check out the highlights – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3pVpo1E3d0
