On the Thursday before half term, seven keen Shell and Remove students set off for the Aosta Valley in Italy to enjoy a week of ski race training with access to the giant slalom courses at the Pila ski resort.
The training programme began with a day of warm-up skiing around the resort in perfect conditions, with hard pistes and cold temperatures, courtesy of snow the night before. The group members were of mixed ability, and only one skier – Tom – had raced to a high standard previously, but having him around helped spur the others on. It did not take long before other members of the group started to produce the required technique and their speed also improved. By the end of the week, the final race times proved to be very competitive with Ed and Orianne coming in a close second and third.
“ During the week, video analysis and a presentation on racing fundamentals took place, in addition to a quiz, courtesy of Mrs and Mr Flint - and their catering skills did not go unnoticed either! The venue is a tried and tested location, but the first time Hurst has undertaken training in this format. A good week enjoyed by all and certainly worth repeating ” Fred Simkins, Director of Outdoor Education