Ski Trips
Each year Balcarras runs a ski trip during February half-term.
The trip is open to pupils in Year 8 and above at the time of the trip.
Please click here for the current application letter.
2023 Ski Trip
The Balcarras Ski trip to Norway saw record numbers take to the slopes
Another trip to beautiful Myrkdalen is over. It’s a pity that half-terms cannot be two-week affairs because many did not want to come home!
73 pupils (our highest ever ski party size) got up early on Sunday morning for our transfer to Gatwick. Our transition though check-in, security, and boarding was exceptionally smooth due to well-drilled youngsters being chaperoned by teachers with a wealth of experience in accompanying such trips.
Our flight to Bergen was 20 minutes shorter than normal owing to a strong tail wind. The coach transfer from Flesland Airport along the picturesque E-16 fjord road took about 2½ hours. Our hotel welcomed us back with open arms and everyone settled in to their 5* accommodation very swiftly.
Day 1 involved getting kitted up at ski fit. It was amazing how the whole party was dealt with in less than an hour. The strong winds on Monday meant that the chair lift was closed but everyone was able to brace the arctic like conditions using the button and T-bar lifts. The challenge caused by the weather did not deter our resilient pupils.
For the rest of the week the weather calmed down and we skied on virtually deserted pistes in (mostly) glorious sunshine.
Certificates were distributed to everyone. For the first time, two of our party got 4½ stars out of 5. It is tough to accept that any pupil is better at skiing than Dr Sharp & Mr Critchley!
The ‘pupils’ were a credit to the school, their parents and themselves. This was our 5th successive visit to Myrkdalen. The hotel staff, ski instructors & ski-fit personnel have run out of superlatives to describe our children.
Roll-on February half-term 2024!
Mr M Dean (Ski Party Leader)
Here is a selection of places that have been visited since the turn of the century!
2023 Myrkdalen (Norway) February
2022 Myrkdalen (Norway) February
2020 Myrkdalen (Norway) February
2019 Myrkdalen (Norway) February
2018 Myrkdalen (Norway) February
2017 Madonna di Campiglio (Italy) February
2016 Bramberg (Austria) February
2015 Artesina (Italy) Easter
2015 Madonna di Campiglio (Italy) February
2014 Wildkogel (Austria) February
2013 St Anton (Austria) February
2012 St Anton (Austria) February
2011 Zell am Ziller (Austria) February
2010 Kaltenbach (Austria) February
2009 Flachau (Austria) February
2008 Tonale (Italy) Easter
2008 Wildkogel (Austria) February
2007 Tonale (Italy) Easter
2007 Wildkogel (Austria) February
2006 Salt Lake City (USA) February
2005 Schlick (Austria) Easter
2005 Wildkogel (Austria) February
2004 Wildkogel (Austria) February
2003 Bardoneccia (Italy) February
2002 Bardoneccia (Italy) February
2001 Mayrhofen (Austria) February
2000 Aprika (Italy) February