Wycombe Abbey Skiers Race in the Visions in Education Ski Racing Competition in Les Menuires, France

After a few years away from racing in the Alps, it was exciting to take 21 pupils to Les Menuires to compete in the Visions in Education Ski Racing competition. Well done to all the skiers who represented Wycombe Abbey on the slopes.

We would like to particularly congratulate those pupils who finished on the podium across all schools, boys and girls, in the three different age categories.

Slalom

1st Overall and 1st Junior – Lucy (UIV)

2nd Overall and 1st Senior – Annabelle (LV)

3rd Overall and 2nd Senior – Zoe (LVI)

3rd Junior – Phoebe (UIII)

3rd Senior – Annamaria (UIV)

Giant Slalom

2nd Overall and 1st Junior – Lucy (UIV)

2nd Junior – Eleanor (LV)

Team Parallel

The Wycombe Abbey A Team placed 1st, winning both races in the final pool. Congratulations to; Lucy (UIV), Annabelle (LV), Zoe (LVI), Annamaria (UIV), Adela (UV), Anisiya (UV), Colette (LV)

Each day a different group of pupils wrote a short review of their day to share their experience with the rest of the School community.

Day 1

Waking up at 3:45am we met in Fisher Library to collect our breakfasts and headed off for the long day ahead. After our plane journey to Geneva and two hours on a bus, we soon arrived at Villages Clubs du Soleil in Les Menuires. First we went to get all the skiing equipment and then had a nice buffet for dinner before bed and our first day on the slopes.

Lucy (UIV), Miranda (LIV), Ava (LIV)

Day 2

Out first day on the snow was full of excitement and we all thoroughly enjoyed getting back to the slopes. With freezing temperatures of -15 degrees, we wrapped up warm and explored the beautiful area of the Les Trois Vallees. We were very lucky to be able to go up to Val Thorens in the morning, which was made even better with the sun shining. After a tiring day, we went to visit the town of Les Menuires, and stocked up on some much-needed layers to brave the snow in the next coming days.

Adela (UV), Maddie (UV), Eleonore (LIV)

Day 3

Today we started off strong, having a delicious breakfast and going straight onto the slopes. We wouldn’t say it was blue sky day, but pushing through the harsh and cold conditions, still managed to get some preparation in for the races coming up. After a relaxing lunch break, we went out once again, this time having more visibility. We worked on starting the races and core technique. Overall, it was a fun day and we finished off with a calm evening before going to bed.

Mylah (UIII), Anya (UIII), Gracie (UIII)

Day 4

Today was the first day of the races. Initially Giant Slalom was planned, however due to poor weather conditions it was changed to Slalom. Overall everyone did well, especially those who had never raced before. After two rounds, we returned to the hotel for lunch and visited Val Thorens in the afternoon. We arrived back to the hotel at 4:00pm and later went out to the main town where we were treated to crepes in a local restaurant before we watched the Morocco v France World Cup match.

Anisiya (UV), Zoe (LVI), Georgia (UV)

Day 5

Today was our second day of racing. We were a little nervous, but it turned out to be fun and exciting. The racing was a great experience and we all zoomed down the course. The afternoon flew by and we got a well-deserved hot chocolate. Once we arrived back at the hotel, we relaxed before a Mexican inspired dinner followed by a pick’n’mix ice cream bar. We then had a team meeting where we found out the results from the Giant Slalom and listened to some live music.

Phoebe (UIII), Elizabeth (UIII), Coco (UIII)

Day 6

Today was our last day on the mountain and our final chance to race. We competed in the Team Parallel Slalom competition, entering three teams. All the races were exciting with some tight finishes. The Wycombe Abbey 1st team progressed to the final pool beating Hurst 1 and Lancing 1 to win the overall competition! A brilliant way to finish of a fantastic three days of racing. After lunch we enjoyed a final ski in Val Thorens and Les Menuires before returning our ski equipment and enjoying prize giving. It was an incredible week of skiing and racing, and we are all looked forward to returning home for the festive season.

Annabelle (LIV), Colette (LV), Annamaria (UIV)

Day 7

After a lie in, we finished packing our bags, brought them down to the lobby and went to the supermarket to grab some snacks for the journey home. After a long drive full of amazing views of the mountains, we arrived at the airport. Unfortunately, our flights were delayed, so we had a lot of time to spare at Geneva. It was an eventful day and we were all pleased to make it back to our homes safely after a brilliant trip.

Daisy (UIII), Alice (UIII), Tiya (UIII)

Mrs Fiona Gee
Assistant Director of Sport


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