Limavady Grammar School’s Year Thirteen students recently took on the snowy peaks of Madonna di Campiglio for an unforgettable ski trip. Led by our teachers and skilled instructors, we all embraced the thrill of skiing against the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian Dolomites.
Excited and ready for adventure we set off from Limavady to Madonna di Campiglio. Daniel McGregor (with the ink still drying on his passport!) led the charge as we were all eager to experience the joys of skiing for the first time or to improve our skills on the slopes. When we arrived, we were greeted by pristine snowfields, a bright blue sky and an atmosphere filled with excited anticipation.
Throughout the trip, beginners received expert guidance to master the basics, while more experienced skiers challenged themselves on a variety of runs catering to all skill levels. From the gentle slopes for novices just in front of our hotel to the exhilarating trails of Groste for the more daring, Madonna di Campiglio provided the perfect terrain for an inclusive skiing experience. Eimear MacFlynn, recognised for her unique skiing style and recipient of the ‘Ski Bambi’ award, managed to collide with a series of inanimate objects throughout the week, most noticeably a snow cannon, but thankfully Eimear proved indestructible.
Despite initial nerves, we quickly found our footing and relished the opportunity to conquer the slopes. Laughter and cheers echoed across the mountainside even when the visibility dropped due to some unseasonably heavy snow falls during our time.
Friendships were forged and memories made, against the stunning mountain backdrop. Although not even Georgina Mills could do much talking while travelling down the slopes, there was still plenty of time for us all to catch up with our friends while travelling back up the ski lifts.
After exhilarating days on the slopes of Madonna di Campiglio, Limavady Grammar School students didn’t let the fun end with the setting sun. Evenings were filled with a variety of engaging activities, ensuring the excitement continued long after the skis were put away. Following one of the days of skiing adventures, students eagerly participated in an evening of snowshoeing which was kindly taken by one of the ski instructors, Joe. We trekked through the serene winter landscape under the starry Italian sky and though we were not quiet enough to spot any wildlife, a reported yeti sighting turned out to have been Seth Guy all along. This was a unique opportunity and we all marvelled at the beauty of the mountain wilderness, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Back at our hotel, energy remained high after a busy day as students gathered for entertaining quizzes, testing our knowledge on a range of topics while enjoying friendly competition. Laughter filled the air as teams vied for the coveted title of quiz champions (as well as wanting to win some coveted Italian chocolate), showcasing both our intellect and camaraderie.
As the night progressed, the excitement continued with lively karaoke sessions, where we all showcased our vocal talents and belted out our favourite tunes to enthusiastic applause. From classic hits to modern favourites, the karaoke stage was alive with the sounds of laughter and music. Josh Connolly played a surprising part enthusiastically destroying most of the popular songs of the eighties. Special mention goes to Zach Deighan who performed a replica performance of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra which took all the students and teachers by surprise as he had been hiding this talent for some time. He was further honoured by receiving the ‘Unsung Hero’ award on prize night.
For those seeking a different kind of thrill, evening shopping excursions to the nearby village provided the perfect opportunity to explore local culture and indulge in some retail therapy. We browsed quaint shops and boutiques, sampling delicious treats and picking up souvenirs to commemorate our time in Madonna di Campiglio where it is Christmas all year round.
As each day ended, we returned to our hotel with hearts full of laughter and memories, grateful for the unforgettable experiences shared with friends old and new. The combination of exhilarating skiing adventures and engaging evening activities made the trip to Madonna di Campiglio truly unforgettable for Limavady Grammar School students.
As the trip sadly came to an end, the students returned home with a newfound love for skiing and a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences. The ski trip to Madonna di Campiglio will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of our time at Limavady Grammar School.
