Thirty-four students, accompanied by four members of staff, enjoyed an unforgettable six-day ski trip to Zell am See, nestled in the stunning Austrian Alps. The group travelled by coach and stayed at the excellent Junges Hotel, perfectly situated at the head of a frozen Lake Zell, providing a breath-taking backdrop for a fantastic week of adventure.
First Tracks on the Slopes
The first day of skiing took place at the local ski area just five minutes from the hotel. For many students, this was their very first experience on skis. Under the guidance of expert instructors, they quickly began mastering the most important skill of all — how to stop!
Students with previous skiing experience explored higher up the mountain on the Schmittenhöhe, enjoying spectacular views across the lake below. Fresh snowfall in the days leading up to the trip meant excellent skiing conditions, with beautiful tree-lined runs and truly stunning alpine scenery.
A Firm Favourite – Kitzsteinhorn
The following day saw the group travel a short distance to the impressive Kitzsteinhorn glacier resort. With its extensive lift system reaching over 3,000 metres above sea level, glacier skiing and dramatic mountain views, it is easy to see why this quickly became a favourite among students.
With over four full days on the slopes, students experienced a wide variety of mountain conditions — from deep powder snow on the upper pistes, to heavy snowfall and even challenging whiteout conditions, as well as the welcome return of crisp blue skies. This range of weather provided an invaluable learning experience, helping students develop resilience and adaptability as they refined their skiing skills.
Incredible Progress
The final day back on the Schmittenhöhe was a real highlight, as the progress made throughout the week was remarkable. From tentative first turns to confidently tackling longer runs, every student demonstrated determination and perseverance. The feedback from the team of ski instructors was overwhelmingly positive, praising both the students’ attitude and their improvement.
Après-Ski Activities
The trip was not just about skiing. Students enjoyed a range of excellent après-ski activities, including exploring the traditional Austrian town of Zell am See and making full use of the fantastic local swimming pool facilities.
A particular highlight was attending a live ice hockey match, where local team EK Zeller Eisbären took on rivals Salzburger All Stars in an exciting encounter. However, despite the thrill of live sport, it is fair to say that Miss Hayton’s bingo night proved to be the most memorable evening entertainment of the trip!
Homeward Bound
After an incredible week of skiing, culture and adventure, we said goodbye to a snowy Austria and began the long journey back to Cumbria — tired but full of fantastic memories.
A huge thank you goes to all the staff who supported and accompanied the trip, helping to make it such a successful and rewarding experience for everyone involved.