Transcript Slide 1

Ysgol
Y Pant
School
Ski 2011
Altenmarkt
Austria
Hints, Tips
And Guidelines
How to look cool on
a ski trip
Cool, or What?
Now find out how
they look so cool
Preparation
Skiing can be the best sport you will ever try. Even as a beginner you can
have great fun from the first morning. You will be with friends of
similar experience, all making the same mistakes and finding some
things tough.
Being properly prepared is essential. There are lots of things to know and
think about before we go. These slides outline most of the important
things, no-one can include everything. It is based on 32 previous school
ski trips, taking my own children on many of them.
If you are prepared you will feel confident. Don’t be arrogant though.
Remember,
Pride comes before a Fall
And all of us fall sometime
Falling, or how to make us laugh
Everybody falls, even
Hannah (me too!)! When you
do you need to be fit enough
to get up and carry on skiing.
Remember to tell everyone
how spectacular the fall was.
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Preparation – long before we go
In Altenmarkt on our previous visit we have
experienced temperatures during the day ranging
from +15 to –20 centigrade. So you may think
that your ski clothing is the most important thing
— Not so!
Being able to cope in different conditions requires
Physical Fitness
By the time we depart you should be able to score a minimum of
8.0
on a bleep test if you are a beginner.
Preparation – long before we go
Artificial Slope Experience
It is essential that you have gained experience on an
artificial slope before we go.
Why?
1. Ski boots
2. Skis
3. The lift
4. Not to waste time on basics in Austria
Equipment – Ski Gear
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Ski boots – these are made from hard plastic. They come in
a number of forms with 2 to 4 clips. These must be done up
properly to be supportive.
They clip into your ski bindings.
Like your shoes, there are left and right ski boots.
Boot clips always fasten on the outside.
You must be able to wiggle your toes, though they may feel
strange around your ankles.
They are quite heavy
Your salopettes will have an elasticated inner – this goes
around the outside of the boot, it keeps out the snow.
Look at the photos on the following pages.
Equipment – Ski Gear - Boots
 Ski
Boots
A typical boot with 4 clips – always
start doing them up from the toes.
Do not over-tighten. You must be
able to wiggle your toes, though
they should be snug at the ankle.
A pair of boots, notice the
clips are on the outside.
Equipment – Ski Gear – Keeping
feet dry
 Nearly
ready to ski now.
The elasticated inner of
your salopettes/ski
trousers is pulled over the
top of your boot after it
has been done up – left.
Then you pull the outer
trouser leg over – right.
This keeps you drier and
looking like a skier – at
least until you get on snow!
Equipment – Ski Gear
Skis – long, thin bits of wood’n stuff with metal
bits (bindings) to attach to your boots.
 There is no left or right ski, each is
interchangeable.
 The pointier bit faces forward.
 A ski should come up to your nose – do not accept
a longer ski – call a teacher if there’s a problem.
 Bindings are set to your weight and experience so
that they come off when you fall.
 Putting on your skis is easy – once you know how!
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Equipment – Ski Gear - Skis
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2
4
3
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1. the flat end – the
back, the pointier end –
the front,
2. the bindings.
3. toe in first
4. Keep the heel raised.
5. Press down and you
will feel and hear the ski
boot clip in to the
bindings.
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Equipment – Ski Gear
 Skis
and Boots become a matching
pair when they are given to you.
 You must always keep the same skis
and boots, staff will write a number
on them so that you should always get
your own.
 Do not take any equipment not fitted
for you. It may not fit and it will not
be safe.
Equipment – Ski Gear
 Ski
Poles
 As a beginner these will only be used
after you have learned the basics.
 They are given to you based on your
height – reaching your elbow when
wearing ski boots.
Equipment – Beam Me Up Scotty
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Ski lifts
At your local ski centre you are likely to experience a
drag lift (see Mrs Jones next slide).
This is a popular, basic way of ascending a mountain
and common in most resorts.
When we get to Altenmarkt a wide range of lifts will
be experienced, to include: gondola (4 to 8 seaters,
chairlifts (2 – 8 seaters) & T-bar drag lifts.
This new experience provides fantastic views and
experiences – always follow the rules set by your
instructor so that you get off at the correct stop.
Never fool about on a lift.
Getting to the Top
There’s more than one way to ascend the mountain
Basic Skiing – before we go
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Do not come to Altenmarkt without first having
artificial slope experience.
That would be like a learner driver being given a
Ferrari, it would be a waste.
Experience boots and skis, learn how to snowplough,
turn, traverse and schuss.
Get to use the lift, who wants to walk up a mountain?
Altenmarkt/Zauchensee is a World Cup resort, one of
the best ski areas in Austria – be ready to get the
best out of it.
On recent trips some pupils have had a lot of
artificial slope experience.
So they have gone into groups with a full week on
snow experience – what a difference that has made to
their week!
Nearly Leaving
Final details and EV8 form to be returned with names
of friends for the journey and rooming – October.
 Meeting for parents and pupils in Main Hall Tuesday
November 9th at 7.00. Any questions? Ski Lodge staff
will be there too – there’ll be a discount card for you.
 Final balance due mid November.
 Any child with any medical considerations must notify
insurers and me asap from November.
 Passport and EHIC are required at least one week
before departure, earlier would be better.
 Coach list published one week before departure, any
problems see me.
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What’s in the suitcase?
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You may load 15kg into the coach hold,
preferably in a soft suitcase of a moderate
size, see my bag 3 pages on. Some pupils take
even smaller bags and manage very well.
If you have your own ski equipment please tell
me before we go.
Ski gear takes the primary place, other
clothes just fill the gaps.
The ski brochure tells you what ski clothes you
need, no need to repeat it here.
Casual clothes and shoes are all that are
needed other than the important stuff (ski gear).
See the next slide for some shocking info:
What’s in the suitcase?
Shocking though it may be, the following info is
factual! I kid you not.
On a recent trip, some pupils brought:
6 pairs of jeans – a clean one each night!!!
8 tops – in case some did not match or a friend had
one similar!!!
6 pairs of shoes, including high heels!!!
3 lots of under clothes – honest.
A staff survey found that, on average, only 3 pairs
of trousers and 2 pairs of shoes were needed.
We all agreed that a change of underwear was
desirable every day!
What’s in the suitcase?
Late on our last night in Altenmarkt one girl
came to us clearly concerned and upset. She
could not get her clothes into her case. We
looked, tried, scratched our heads and
agreed, her mum was very special. She had
managed to put a quart into a pint pot, we
could not do it either.
 When we asked the girl, let’s call her “K”, did
she need everything packed, she replied, “ No,
lots of stuff is unworn”
 Please be sensible and realistic when packing.
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Your Luggage
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Pack as if you were travelling by plane. Bag size and
weight is an important matter.
I’ve been taking this bag on my last 8
ski trips, it cost £16 from McArthur
Glen. The gloves and goggles are there
for you to have an idea of scale.
Expensive, large bags are not necessary,
Sensible planning and packing is.
On Our Way
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24 hours sounds an awful long time but it really can pass quite
quickly.
Cooperation from all pupils is essential to ensure a smooth
journey.
We allocate seating areas for each friendship group so that no
one feels isolated.
Personal entertainment systems are fine, speakers are not.
Some pupils love colouring books and crayons – honest!
Pupils are invited to bring suitable DVDs for the journey.
Stimulant drinks are banned for the journey, people need to
sleep in advance of a strenuous week.
At stops, pupils must always be in a small group, never alone.
Coaches have a toilet suitable for number 1s, not number 2s.
Whenever we stop at services pupils should go to the toilet. We
will always wait, without fuss, for pupils in the toilet.
At Last, We are there
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“Here we are in Altenmarkt, allocated my room, made
sure I’m with a friend and straightaway, even though
I’m totally ………. tired, go to ski fit.”
“Glad I put ski socks at the top of my case!”
“Remember to ensure I get gear suitable for my
ability – see staff if unsure.”
“Gear back in hotel, lovely place, evening meal,
briefing. I thought I was on holiday!”
“Wow, lots to remember, glad I am properly prepared.
This is going to be a great week.”
“Bring it on.”
Meals
 Eating
proper food is essential when you
are active.
 Skiing involves great effort for over
FOUR hours per day. Add the weather
conditions, the heavy equipment and
clothing and you can see that you are
burning lots of calories. Therefore, you
must eat properly.
 So, what do we get?
Meals
Breakfast – choice of cereals with milk,
fresh crusty rolls, jam, ham & cheese.
 Packed lunch - make it yourself at
breakfast, so you get what you like. Add a
drink and a cereal bar (both provided) and
put in the paper bag provided. Take it all
in your rucksack. It will be eaten at a
mountain restaurant where, if you wish, you
can buy a hot drink and some chips etc.
 Be warned, mountain restaurants are
expensive.
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Meals
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Evening meal – as we are in Austria it is
fair to expect local food. It will be
different to what you may be used to but
it will be good.
A soup starter is followed by a main meal
with a simple dessert to finish.
Water is provided but other drinks have to
be paid for.
Every pupil must attend every meal.
Things to bear in mind, read on:
Meals
Shock, Horror – there is no McDonalds,
KFC, Burger King or anything like them.
Our village is high in the Alps not in a city
centre.
 If you do not eat you may become weak
and ill. You may suffer on the slopes and
put your whole group at risk.
 Eat what you are given.
 I hate pasta, I eat it for one week in a
year – skiing. If I can do it so can you!!
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Food, staff enjoy it!
Food at the mountain restaurant
– good but expensive
Mr Griffiths delicately samples
the hotel pasta
First Morning
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“Why are we being woken up? It’s the
middle of the night and I’m shattered!”
Breakfast is normally at 0800 (8 o’clock).
By then you will have washed and put on
some of your ski gear, not your jacket and
goggles!
Eat and then prepare your packed lunch.
You will be given your lift pass (slide 39)
and safety pack (slide 40) These must be
carried every day.
Now there are a few things to remember:
First & Every Morning
We always say how educational a ski trip
is. When you add up all of the personal
responsibility involved you’ll see why.
 Before getting on the coach to go to the
slopes – a 20 minute journey – you must
remember the following:
 Hat, gloves, goggles, jacket, sun cream, lip
salve, skis, ski boots, ski poles, packed
lunch, money.
 Plus lift pass (46) and safety pack (47).
Find out more about the last two later.
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Every Morning
Check your gear and be ready to leave in
plenty of time.
 Sort out your room, make it reasonably
tidy. Leave no valuables about. Hand in
your room key.
 Staff will carry out a quick check before
we leave and those in the untidiest room
get to clear up in the dining room after
evening meal and the following breakfast!
 Mr Soroko will be strictly enforcing this.
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First & Every Morning
 Staff
will call out a checklist before
the coach leaves. You must check
that you have everything. If you do
not, this is your chance to go and
fetch it. It will be too late once we
leave.
 When we stop you will get your boots
on and then get your skis – check
that you have the right ones.
Every Morning
At the coach park you will put on your own
ski boots. This may be difficult as the
plastic is cold. You need to learn to do this
yourself as staff could not possibly do up
everyone’s.
 Get your skis – check that they are yours.
If you cannot find yours, tell us
straightaway. It means that someone else
obviously has the wrong ones too. They will
not fit so neither of you can ski.
 Get poles the right length.
 Check again that you have all of your gear.
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First Morning
 “I’m
up a mountain standing in all my
gear, carrying my skis and poles,
what now?”
 You will be sorted into groups
according to your ability.
 Beginners with lots of dry slope
experience will have told us so that
we make sure they are put in a
suitable group.
Up the Mountain, At last
Altenmarkt/Zauchensee
As ski resorts go, they do not come much
bigger or better in Austria.
 There are nearly 200km of piste suitable
for all abilities.
 Everyone begins from the base station in
Zauchensee, an ultra-modern centre with
lifts and pistes suitable for all. From there
a vast system is accessible to a range of
ski abilities.
 Our instructors decide where is the most
suitable and look after us during the ski
day.
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Skiing
“Page 38 and now we get to the skiing! At
least I know I am well prepared.”
 Your instructor is in charge when ski
lessons begin. You must do as you are told.
Anyone reported to staff may well sit out
some ski time, so behave.
 If your instructor thinks that you are in
the wrong group for your ability then only
he/she may decide to move you. You must
go where you are told.
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Skiing
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we start skiing at 1000 and
break for lunch at 1200. Start again
at 1300 and finish at 1500.
 Then load our skis carefully onto the
coach, put on our ‘tatty’ trainers, and
load our boots.
 Return to the coach on time and
return to the hotel.
Late Afternoon
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Arrive at the hotel.
Put ski boots in the boot room,
they freeze if left on the
coach.
Skis and poles are left on the
coach.
“I must put ski gear where I can
find it in the morning and hang
it up to dry if necessary.”
Have a shower, PLEASE, have a
shower. Some pupils have been
known to avoid showering for
days. This is antisocial behaviour
and is not fair to everyone else.
Late Afternoon/Evening
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Having showered it is time to relax. Chat about your exploits during
the day. In the hotel there is table football and table tennis. A
small internet room is also available. Please look at the hotel website
to fully appreciate the facilities – www.ennshof.com.
Evening meal is usually about 1800. Nominations for the ‘Dummy’
award should be given to Mrs Johns from around 1730 onwards.
Before anyone leaves the dining room important info will be given to
you. After that Mr Jones will take us through the day and the
dummy nominations, culminating in the award of the Dummy and the
Tee-shirt to the lucky(?) winner.
The Tee-shirt must be worn and visible for the next 24 hours,
except when sleeping ( you may make use of the dummy during the night!)
The Tee-shirt is handed over at the following evening’s award, the
dummy you keep!
Dummy, Leon &
Oh! How You’ve Changed!
Gabbi & Lauren
Dummies 2008
Billie & Jess,
No change since ‘08
James – Leon ‘09
Hannah & Glyn ‘10
Gina & Sophie – Cute 2006
Sophie & Tom Dummies ‘09
Evening
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We will have an activity every evening after
supper.
We expect them to be: Bowling, Quiz Night,
Karaoke, Presentation/Disco.
A new indoor water centre has opened in
Altenmarkt, it looks fantastic. We will try book it.
Everyone will take part and some will be surprised
how much they enjoy themselves!
Pupils in the sixth form will be expected to lead
teams in some of the activities, especially our
experienced prefects!
Activities
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Floodlit skiing – fantastic but
not for beginners
Karaoke in the
hotel theatre
Y Pant really does have talent
Bowling –
9 pins, not 10
Curling – boy is it cold
out there!
Bed Time
Let’s be sensible here, think –
When did you last get up at 0715, do physical
effort for around 5 hours at up to 6000 feet,
tidy up your own clothes, take part in an
evening activity; and all this for 6 days in a
row after travelling for 24 hours to get
there?
 We all need plenty of sleep. So when you are
told to you must go to bed. For most of you it
will be between 2200 and 2230, if you can
stay awake that late.
 Remember, we will wake you up at 0715 next
morning.
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Lift Pass
The lift pass enables you to go through a turnstile
to get on a lift so that you can ascend the
mountain.
 It is electronic. You do not have to take it out of
your jacket, the machine detects it and lets you
through.
 It must be put in a small jacket pocket not used for
anything else, except for your safety pack, and
zipped up until Friday afternoon.
 Why? You get only one and it has cost in the region
of £100. Lose it and a new one has to be bought by
you. They are all individually numbered so we can
check if you have your own.
 It is the size of your EHIC card so be careful with
it!
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Safety
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Skiing is a fantastic sport but it does carry a degree of risk. We
minimise this by ensuring that activities are assessed before we go
( Hourmont’s website is essential viewing for lots of information –
www.htstotalski.com). Accidents do happen and often they are
avoidable. It is essential that everyone follows instructions so that the
chances of accidents are reduced. We will still have fantastic feelings
of exhilaration even when being reasonably safe.
Everyone will carry a safety pack.
This will contain the EHIC (E111),
Medicard, personal details and some
contact numbers in the event of a
problem. This pack should be put in
an inside pocket (with your lift pass)
of the ski jacket and carried every
day. It will ensure that, in the event
of an accident, medical staff are
immediately fully informed, e.g. of
allergies.
And Finally – A Great Week Ahead
Lots of these are
coming again.
Must be fun!