In December, the newly-formed Emanuel Ski Team made history by competing for the first time in the Independent Schools Ski and Snowboarding Championship (ISSSC).

35 pupils from years 8 and 9 accompanied by Miss Holden, Miss Riley, Mr James and Miss Fitzgibbon departed on a dark and cold Thursday morning to travel to an even colder Les Deux Alpes.

Extraordinarily, the British Airways Captain who flew us to Geneva (pictured below) is an Emanuel parent, and we were given a warm welcome by him and his crew.

Pictured: Andre (Emanuel parent and the British Airways Captain of the Geneva-bound flight) with Finlay and Mason

After a long journey, we arrived at the hotel just in time for dinner and then settled down in preparation for a busy week ahead. We were up early on the Friday and, after a hearty breakfast, we collected our skis, poles and helmets, and headed off to the slopes.

The first two days of the trip were dedicated to training. We split up into five different groups and were allocated ESF ski coaches. We were very lucky on the first two days, as the clear blue skies allowed for uninterrupted ski practice and we trained hard for both the Slalom and Giant Slalom races .

Day three was the first race day but unfortunately the combination of a dysfunctional lift and bad weather meant that the race was abandoned. But that didn’t stop us training in the afternoon in some great powder conditions.

On day four, the clear skies returned for the most part with only the occasional cloud. The race was on. The first race was Slalom and we put in a good performance amongst tough competition. Etienne (year 8), an expert skier, recorded an excellent time and earned a crucial 6 points for Emanuel.

On day five, the conditions were perfect for the final day of racing. This time was the Giant Slalom, which sounds as though it should be more challenging but actually most of us found it slightly easier because the gates are further apart. Meg and Emma (year 8) together clocked up valuable points for Emanuel.

Apres-ski was either bowling or a talk about positive mind sets – activities to relax and to reassure us – and we also met up with other schools for a fun quiz night.

The final analysis showed that, in Giant Slalom, the Emanuel girls’ junior team came 5th out of 22 schools and the boys’ senior team was 9th out of 22. In the Slalom, the boys’ senior team came 7th out of 22. An excellent effort for our first meet. We came back in good shape except for Mr James, who unfortunately badly injured his shoulder.

We would like to thank Mr House and Gwen Le Barazer for making it happen; our sponsors, Savills and SPL for contributing to our team kit, and Miss Holden, Miss Riley, Mr James and Miss Fitzgibbon for looking after us.

Gus (year 9)

Perfect conditions!