A trip to the snow

By Andrew Willmott | Posted: Wednesday August 2, 2023

Last week the Year 12 Outdoor Education classes went to the Snow Farm, in Wanaka.

This trip introduced students to some other experiences you can have on (and in) the snow, other than skiing or snow boarding. Unfortunately, there was not the quantity of snow we had last year but this allowed the group to try Snow Shoeing as they walked in to the accommodation.

Overnight snow made for a hasty walk back to swap out the shoes for cross country skis. The group were then given some lessons in their use and a chance to practice under expert supervision. Having mastered (some people) the basics, the group skied back to the Musterers Hut again.

Recharging with some lunch, most of the group then set about building a snow cave. With the snow quickly disappearing in the mild conditions, our combined efforts saw one cave progress to almost being functional. Unfortunately one student (unnamed) took packing down the snow a bit too far and put an end to anyone being able to spend the night there. By then darkness was upon us and everyone retreated to the hut.

The trip was the start of a busy term for stays away, in Outdoor Education. The Year 13s will be soon going on a snow sports trip before the Year 12s are away again, cycle touring, in Week 8.

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