Anticipation was high amongst the Prem Ski Trip group, with 40 cms of fresh snow greeting us when we arrived in Hakuba last Sunday. In the group this year, there were 5 students who were skiing for the first time, 5 intermediate skiers and 1 intermediate snowboarder and during the 5 days of skiing, they enjoyed near perfect conditions in the Japanese Alps.  For many of them, carving up the slopes at night under the floodlights was the week’s highlight.  For others, progressing from the beginner’s snowplough technique to the more advanced parallel turns was the biggest achievement. From a teacher’s point of view, seeing the students take on the challenge of learning to ski ‘head-on’ and to see them making such significant progress – it was fantastic to see.  The group must also be commended for the way they looked out for each other all week and the way they conducted themselves.  A special thank you must also be given to one of our Prem community members, Gil Cowen, who provided us with outstanding hospitality during the week at Melo Lodge. The Prem Ski Trip continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to more students joining us next year!

A.Dan