The trip began with a peaceful walk around the charming village of Les Plans sur Bex. This gentle introduction to the Swiss landscape allowed students to stretch their legs after travelling and start absorbing the serene mountain atmosphere. It set the tone for the days ahead: time to explore, support one another, and appreciate the environment around us.
Each morning started with one of Mr. James’s famously inventive wake up calls for the boys ranging from soothing guitar melodies to the far less soothing sound of a cowboy’s yell, ensuring everyone began their day with energy and laughter.
Once on the slopes, students embraced every challenge with determination and confidence. “Many were complete beginners, yet they demonstrated tremendous courage in learning new skills and taking calculated risks. Remarkably, some students who had been skiing for only three days were already mastering parallel turns which was an impressive achievement and a testament to their perseverance, focus, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones,” Ms. Heathfield reflected on the snow days.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the development of wider life skills was just as evident. Students practised independence as they prepared their own equipment, dressed for the mountain, made their own beds (including duvet covers!) and navigated daily routines. They strengthened communication by working closely within their ski groups, encouraging one another, and problem solving as they adapted to a new environment.
The final day on the slopes concluded with a timed slalom race. Competitive spirit was high, and every participant crossed the finish line with pride. Medals were awarded, and each student received the ultimate Swiss prize: a chocolate coin, bringing smiles all round and providing a sweet conclusion to an excellent week of snow sports.
Off the slopes, cultural experiences added richness to the expedition. A visit to the Cailler chocolate factory offered insight into Swiss traditions (and plenty of delicious samples), followed by a picturesque lunch in Gruyère where students enjoyed local dishes and, of course, an abundance of Swiss cheese.
Overall, the expedition was a week of adventure, culture, and personal growth. This is the testament that BSY students receive world-class global learning opportunities provided by Nord Anglia Education. It is exciting to see our students not only gained new snowsports skills but also strengthened independence, communication, and problem solving which are qualities that will serve them well long beyond the mountains of Switzerland.
