LEX Ski trip to Les Deux Alpes, Easter 2024

The sun rose on a beautiful Spring day as the Easter holidays began and 20 eager pupils gathered excitedly outside the Main House. Two coaches and one aeroplane ride later we wound the last twisting miles up to the resort, a noticeable chill in the air as we bustled, bleary-eyed into the hotel. After a welcome meal and the obligatory kerfuffle over ski fitting it was heads down ready for an early start the next day.

The chaos of the first morning , familiar to families who ski, was magnified to epic proportions as our pupils were joined in the locker room by 80 pupils from other schools. “Gloves, goggles, helmets, skis, poles!”. Well, our lot did pretty well, I have to say. After a short clomp to the bottom of the lift, we met our marvellous instructors: Christophe and Christophe - who immediately set about improving our budding young skiers, tearing across the largest skiable glacier in Europe with its 55 lifts and 200km ski area, right up to 3600m. Mrs Townsend and Mr Burton witnessed some enormous grins as their group snaked down their first run of the week. Meanwhile, Mr King quickly lost sight of the other group, only finding them in the afternoon at the top of a black - just in time to see Jonny demonstrate a somersault that sadly - but with some style - ended his skiing for the week. 

That evening it began to snow - and snow, and snow. We awoke to 60cm and near white-out conditions up top. So new challenges for day 2! Sonja and Max led the pack; Sonja with style, and Max with speed. Georgia and Ella impressed, with their truly graceful skiing. What followed was several days of excellent conditions that allowed everyone to learn something new, enjoy the crisp mountain air and push themselves both physically and mentally. 

After each full day of skiing, the younger members of the party still had energy for the arcades, shopping, bowling, laser tag, the movies and the quiz night. For the staff, lights out never came too soon. 

In the true spirit of LEX, the pupils made amazing progress, gaining confidence, building relationships and learning to look out for one another both on the piste and in the hotel. They were attentive and respectful to staff and instructors, courteous to the school we shared the space with and were a real pleasure to spend a week with. It was a delight both on and off the snow to see the year-group divisions dissolve and everyone hanging out together and enjoying their time away. We talk of Clayesmore as a family, and we really saw it manifest here, as the Y11 took Y8 under their wings - everyone sitting together to eat, to chat and while away the evenings. Special mention to Siqian whose determination and single-mindedness were remarkable, and Peter, who didn’t lose his passport (though was less lucky with other key possessions). We can’t wait to announce details of next years’ trip, so watch this space and get ready to book yours for 2025.