Saturday 13 December marked the start of Eton’s annual ski trip, with Madame Dano, after a long star-studded career of successful alpine excursions, at the helm for one final time.
This year the trip took place in Italy, with the short travel times highly appreciated by the boys who had just finished their trials (exams). Following a hectic stop at a local McDonald’s we ascended into the mountains in awe; the picturesque landscape of Passo Tonale looked set to be the perfect backdrop to a great time of skiing.
The next morning the boys—having settled into their accommodation—hit the slopes with decidedly strong enthusiasm despite still being rusty, leading to the early downfall of a few on the first button lift of the trip. After a few slopes the boys got back into the swing of things, displaying their technique to the instructors who quickly realised they would not need to do much instructing.
Boys rapidly made strong bonds with their instructors despite the apparent language barrier, with Giovanni a clear favourite due to his relaxed teaching style. The skiers made it their absolute mission to create and win races to best the other groups. Although some boys in the group had quite a high skill level, this did not stop some spectacular crashes on the finish line.
Special mention to Alonzo P in that regard, nicknamed Fernando Alonso (an infamously aggressive F1 driver) by his instructor, due to his ability to “send it” without fear and seemingly end up on the floor at the end of every piste.
The boys enjoyed light breaks from this intensity through the lovely Italian food offered by the hotel, the pool, bathtub and last but not least Mr Nevin-Jones’s mid-morning hot chocolate runs. These breaks were much needed and kept us going strong throughout the day.
A few days before departure the boys undertook night skiing, a novel experience for even the most well-seasoned of our group. It was a wonderful atmosphere, with boys linking arms and skiing together leading to even greater wipeouts for many; their confidence seemingly boosted under cover of night.
After a great week of skiing what remains most clear is that Madame Dano’s organisational, kind and well-spirited presence will sorely be missed. Though, it can be sure that no matter the location, the Eton ski trip will always thrive.
