Top 5 recommendations from a teacher for a successful school ski trip

1. Build a strong staff team

The success of a ski trip starts with the staff leading it. The physical and mental demands of the trip mean that having a cohesive team is essential. Staff need to communicate well, support one another and work together to stay organised throughout the week. The best times strike the right balance between being authoritative when needed and creating a fun, positive atmosphere for students.

2. Set clear boundaries around technology

Consider introducing a strict phone policy – whether that means leaving devices at home or only allowing them to be used at specific times. Students often get far more out of the trip when they aren’t constantly connected to their phones; they spend more time talking, making friends and enjoying the experience together.

A clear policy can also make safeguarding and communication much easier. Limiting social media use reduces the risk of incidents being posted or exaggerated online and reaching parents before staff have had a chance to understand what has happened.

If phones aren’t allowed, teachers can use digital cameras to capture the trip and create a shared photo album or Google Drive for students and parents to enjoy afterwards.

3. Make the trip memorable

A school ski trip can become one of the most memorable experiences of a student’s school years – so make the most of it. Small touches can make students feel valued and turn a good trip into a great one. If someone has a birthday while you’re away, for example, organise a cake or decorate their room and make a celebration of it.

It’s these thoughtful details that students are likely to remember long after they’ve returned home.

4. Create opportunities for fun beyond the slopes

Skiing is only part of the experience. Build in opportunities for students and staff to have fun together away from the slopes, whether that’s a themed day, fancy-dress evening or another group activity.

Students love seeing their teachers get involved too, so don’t be afraid to embrace the theme yourself! These shared experiences can help break down barriers, strengthen relationships and create some of the trip’s funniest memories.

5. Plan early – and plan for the little things

Good preparation can make a huge difference to how inclusive and enjoyable a ski trip is. Book as early as possible to give parents plenty of time to budget and pay, helping to make the opportunity accessible to more students.

It’s also worth thinking carefully about room allocations. At your information evening, ask students to nominate one or two people they’d like to share with. This gives you some flexibility if the hotel cannot accommodate their first choice, while helping to avoid students being separated from their friends.