Skiing, skating and singing… Claremont students have the time of their lives in Italy 

In December 2023, fifty-one students from Claremont High School travelled by coach to Italy to visit the stunning ski resort of Aprica in the Valtellina region. They stayed at the modern Hotel Roma, situated in the heart of the town, close to the slopes. 

Ms Smith, who led the trip, comments: ‘The resort was perfect for our students as the majority were beginners and the beginner slopes were in close proximity to one another. Thanks to the amazing ski instructors and about five hours of lessons a day, they progressed really quickly and some were able to venture up the mountain, via the large gondola, to ski on the more advanced slopes.’  

In the evenings, the students went night skiing, ‘bum boarding’ and ice-skating, as well as doing karaoke, all of which they thoroughly enjoyed. 

‘I think the ski trip was a wonderful experience, filled with new skills and I had lots of fun being with friends,’ says Maya Li’Addullah in Year 10. ‘I enjoyed progressing from being a beginner on the nursery slopes to being able to go on the higher mountain slopes and see the beautiful view of Italy.’ 

Year 13 student Gillian Melo agrees: ‘The school's ski trip is a great experience, which I'd recommend every parent send their kids on. The making of new friends, having fun on the slopes and taking part in the evening activities makes the trip such a well-rounded experience. My favourite part was being with schoolmates, whether that be playing games on the coach, throwing snowballs with them, or just eating and talking together.’ 

Veer Varsani in Year 8 enjoyed both the skiing and the scenery: ‘The trip was very entertaining as we got to ski on the amazing slopes of Aprica and see the beautiful Italian Alps. All the other activities were also great. It was enjoyable to do things with our friends and try something new.’ 

Ms Smith was very pleased with the outcome: ‘Overall, the ski trip was a huge success and we’re already looking forward to the next trip in December 2024, to the world-famous ski resort of Sestriere in the Italian Alps.’