It was no joke on April Fool’s day when 46 sixth years and 5 staff gathered in the very early hours to begin the journey to Ehrwald in the Tyrolean Alps, Austria for the senior school ski trip. Staff hopes of a quiet and sleepy journey were dashed as the excited pupils chatted and sang their way to Dublin airport – a trend that was to be upheld for the entire week!

Nestling at the foot of the German-Austrian Zugspitze glacier, Ehrwald turned out to be a picturesque and historic town, only a 5 minute bus journey away from the gondola servicing the Ehrwalder Alm ski resort.

It didn’t take long for the pupils to find their ski legs. The experienced skiers were soon loving the higher slopes and the beginners were delighted to progress from the nursery slopes onto the blue runs and eventually, red. Heavy snowfall on the first night meant that the slopes were in great condition all week. Midweek, the group were very fortunate to visit and ski on the German side of Zugspitze Glacier at an altitude of 2962m. Whilst it was incredibly cold, luckily the skies were clear and the views were utterly spectacular; without doubt, a day to remember!

Après ski activities consisted of visits to the local climbing wall, a pizza night in town and numerous hot chocolates at the foot of the slopes. Inhouse entertainment included a quiz night and karaoke session where the participating staff were advised to stick to their day jobs…

A fabulous and fun-filled week was had by all, and thanks must be extended to the staff, in particular the organiser Mr Irwin, who gave up a week of their Easter holiday sleep to accompany and supervise the trip.