At the moment we are looking into a trip for 2010 in April, probably the first week of the vacation. This year prices in Europe have gone up but the major companies are now starting to make reductions and offers are looking attractive. Alternatively we are also considering a trip to the USA in 2011, for this we would give students two years to save. If you are interested in a ski trip then please make contact chj@cirencester.ac.uk.

Well done Zach Dimes who came 5th out of 29 U19 skiers and to Rachel Cormican who came 6th out of 26 U19 female skiers. A great effort.

For all students interested in racing, watch this space as we plan this year to hold the first Cirencester College Ski Competition at Gloucester Ski Slope in May. Contact me directly if you would like to race or learn to race.

This year the BTEC outdoor pursuits students went to the mountains of the Czech Republic. To beat the credit crunch and reduce our carbon footprint we took public transport across the country. Whilst it was a little slower than hiring a private coach the journey was excellent.

Sharing a lodge with Czech students we spent the week learning to downhill ski and snowboard. Many evenings were spent playing games and even a ski trip version of strictly come dancing.

The snow this year was excellent and the link, with a Czech College in the Eagle Mountains continues to thrive. Their students hope to visit the UK during the Olympic year as they are traditionally very keen on sports such as basketball and gymnastics.

For the next visit we are hoping that some of our advanced students can take the instructors qualification and one student might have the opportunity to complete a two week work placement at the lodge.

During this years trip a highlight was observing the national husky racing championship. Observing this was frustrating as it was impossible to predict when exactly the sleighs would emerge from the dark woods.
We are already planning next years trip, the resort is being extended, it is still very good value for money, a trip most students can afford and one they are unlikely to forget.
Report Chris James