Friday 23rd June 2023 saw the first post-covid return to skiing for 60 Helsby High School students from Years 7-10. Despite an unplanned late departure and occasional rain clouds, we sped down the M6 to Stoke Ski Centre and quickly got kitted up and onto the outdoors dry ski slope. With a majority of keen beginners in the group and a fair few more experienced skiers who were feeling slightly rusty (including the teachers!), we began slowly at first but were quick to pick up new skills and gain confidence for sliding from higher up the slope.
After a break to fill up with chips with burgers/nuggets/hotdogs/etc. in the on-site cafe, everyone got straight back out and onto the slope once more for the second session. Now with increased confidence and sustenance everyone in the group made excellent progress towards trying out the ski lifts and sliding further and faster on the slopes at Stoke.
Many thanks to all the accompanying teachers as well as the staff at Stoke Ski Centre who made this an excellent Friday evening out, and very well done to all the students who took part.
Further sessions like this one will be organised in the Autumn Term, so please keep your eyes out for information in September. These will once more be open to students from all years, regardless of ability or participation level.
By Mr Jankowski