Queen Anne's School, News & Events

On Sunday 28 March at 3.00am 32 sleepy but excited Queen Anne's girls left Caversham on route to Tignes in France for the ski trip. Even though many had had little or no sleep there was a real buzz of excitement and the journey to Luton airport went without a hitch.

Once checked in we moved swiftly through security, with the usual hilarity over who did and didn't beep! The flight was on time, the girls safely seated, and we were soon passing over the channel saying goodbye to English gloom, into Swiss airspace and the customary shop for supplies during the flight. We very quickly heard the descent announcement and in no time at all we were landing in Geneva. Luggage collected with great speed, Rep met, we were on our way to resort. The journey is three hours, but with a stop to stretch our legs and an opportunity to replenish supplies, the sight of snow capped mountains soon came into view.

We arrived in Tignes, Val Claret at 2pm, and were whisked to the SkiBound hotel, where we were able to rest from the journey whilst our apartments were made ready. The girls soon moved into their apartments and enjoyed exploring the facilities they had whilst organising the sleeping arrangements.

The apartments proved very popular as in the main they provided more space for the girls and better facilities than a hotel room. With the supermarket opposite supplies were soon to be had, and very quickly boots were fitted along with skis followed by supper. We were lucky enough to be booked into the same restaurant as last year and we were greeted with great warmth when we arrived that first evening. Supper was fabulous and nothing was too much trouble. Bedtime came quickly and all enjoyed a good night's sleep.

Our first morning began with a short walk through the snow to the Hotel where pain au chocolat were the order of the day - always a winner with Queen Anne's girls! Ski school began at 9.00am so, having gathered everyone together, we took a short walk to the lifts met our instructors.

The intermediates and advanced skiers left in sunshine to find the slopes. The beginners nervously put on their skis with thoughts of Bridget Jones and how she survived the chair lift - how hard could it be?? The week went well and all girls made good progress. The beginners were quickly into snow plough turns and racing up the button lift. All bumps and bruises were ignored as the girls picked themselves up and continued on. The girls had a great time and there were many laughs and stories to tell. Trips up through the mountain on the train, trips into Val D'Isère, tricks in the snow park and speeding down the half pipe. The snow was fantastic and the sun ensured that we all came back with a healthy tan!

In the evenings we swam, went bowling, saw Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang in French. Shopping is always a favourite of Queen Anne's and opportunities were always there for the purchase of supplies, namely food! All were sad to leave, especially as we waited for the coach early on Sunday morning the snow was falling in anticipation of another great days skiing for those who were arriving for the following week.

It was a wonderful week and we all had a fantastic time. I would like to thank Mrs Hough-Robbins, Mrs Hillier, Miss Bell and Miss Gohr for all their hard work and support during the week, and the girls for making the trip a great deal of fun.

Nicki Coombs
Deputy Head (Pastoral)

16.4.10