Each year, our fifth graders (and a number of their parents) embark on a snow skiing field trip to a local snow skiing slope. Many of the students have never been snow skiing before, therefor extra measures are taken to help promote a safe and enjoyable experience. We are fortunate to have an accredited snow skiing school and reputable ski operation nearby and package deals are available for our students. For example, our students receive lessons, equipment rental, and lift tickets for $18 per child. The ski school is nationally accredited and they instruct the students in a 12:1 ratio.

Although it is almost a 2 hour drive, we make it just a day trip with an early departure. A majority of our students and parents pack their lunches to make for a quick and convenient lunch break. Prior to our trip, our students research the sport of snow skiing (in PE and the classroom teachers can help). They must write a report on snow skiing and describe the experiences on the slope afterwards in a journal. Winter sports/activities are also integrated into our PE class.

Upon arrival at the slopes, students are orientated, given equipment, and provided with instruction from the ski school instrctors. After instructions, students are allowed to ski independently (based on their ability levels).

This field trip usually attracts the most attention from students and parents. It also is a great way to show the students a different environment for our physical education experience, and it introduces them to an outdoor education experience they can use for a lifetime.

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