Carrick skiers sharpen their skills on Italian slopes

Pupils from neighbouring Carrickfergus College and Carrickfergus Grammar School made separate trips to locations in Italy over half-term.

The majority making the trip from Carrickfergus Grammar to Folgoria were first-time skiers but the school reported great progress was made by all and it only took two days for everyone to make it off the nursery slope and up the mountain for the blue and red runs.

At the end of the week, pupils took part in a keenly contested slalom race, won by Louis Farren of Year 10, and all were presented with their bronze ski certificates.

The young people were also able to enjoy evening activities such as ice-skating, a movie night, a quiz and ‘tubing’.

Meanwhile, a group of 16 students and two staff from Carrickfergus College travelled to the Marilleva ski resort. In total, 15 out of 18 in the party had never skied before, so, according to the school, “it was a massive learning curve for everyone”.

Again it was a story of rapid development, moving to the blue and red slopes with a teacher and two 4th form boys even tackling the black run.

The Carrickfergus college party had time for a sight-seeing in Verona, including the famous amphitheatre.

“The pupils were exceptional and everyone had a superb week. There may even be a few future skiers in our midst,” the school added.