Ski trip 2025

With a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, we boarded—the high school upper-level ski/fitness course—on 30.01 in the direction of South Tyrol. We were pleasantly surprised as we entered the modern bus and found not only surprisingly comfortable seats but also USB sockets and a well-functioning air conditioning system. It started off well! With the snacks prepared long in advance, blankets, and neck pillows, we got through the nearly twenty-hour bus ride without any problems. When the mood threatened to dip around hour twenty, the view of mountains and a snowy winter wonderland outside the window was a reward. The long bus ride was forgotten in a flash and everyone was now excited about our home for the next days—the place Meransen in South Tyrol and our host, the Meransnerhof.

Still on the same day, we picked up our equipment from the ski rental, and with the sight of the ski area, this trip, which many of us had been looking forward to, became reality. We said good night early in our rooms, and the next day it should finally start properly.

With magnificent weather, as if ordered, we made our way to the slopes early in the morning. For some in our course, a familiar area; for others, a completely new experience. After a warm-up, under the professional guidance of Mr. Hencke, Mrs. Pösse, as well as our alumni and companions Louise and Corny, we began with first exercises so that even the newcomers on the slope could soon make their first gliding runs on the snow. Many of the total beginners—about a third of our course—were already able to descend the blue slope with caution by the end of the first day.

The following days allowed beginners to expand their skills even more, while the more advanced could hold their own on more challenging slopes. We leveraged the group experience by forming small groups with advanced and still-learning skiers, thus pushing each other forward.

The rather strenuous skiing itself was not the only focus of our trip. We used the evenings at the host to delve into previously prepared questions about skiing. Thus we developed sustainability concepts for skiing, evaluated our trip against such criteria, and also engaged with other aspects of skiing, such as socio-cultural factors or competition aspects. Through expert clusters, we educated each other, e.g., in first aid or FIS piste rules, and learned from one another. We viewed skiing holistically, but also critically, recognizing that it means much more than simply descending the slope. Because the course is cross-year, we could also encounter each other across different grade levels and exchange with benefit.

Already after a few days together on the slope, we noticed how much this trip connects and makes us grow together. While most on day 1 knew each other mainly as classmates, by day 3 many had become friends and people with whom we share a unique experience. The following days showed us even more how meaningful this journey is. We felt not only the athletic benefits but also the pedagogical value in how we treated each other. On and off the slope, everyone helped one another. Advanced skiers lent a hand to beginners without hesitation. If someone had heavy luggage, people were ready to help. In the evenings we laughed and played together. We realized: this trip was worth it!

Accordingly, entering the familiar bus again on 07.02 was quite hard. A week filled with unforgettable moments lay behind us. There were challenges as well as moments of happiness. But what they all had in common: these were moments we could share together and draw from in the future.

The return to school now makes us truly realize what luck we had with this trip. It opened the door, for some of us, to the ski sport with relatively high entry barriers and was educational, athletic, and communal at the same time!

It was also a wonderful feeling to stand on the slope while others were allowed to compute math formulas in school 😉

Our teachers and accompanying staff contributed mightily with 24/7 commitment, humor, and professionalism to the success of this trip. Therefore, on behalf of the entire ski course, thanks to Louise, Corny, Mrs. Pösse, and Mr. Hencke.

With vivid memories, we are now returning to school life and remain more than just any old sports course.

Report: The Sports Course Ski/Fitness 2025

Photos: Jonas Hencke