A school ski trip is a terrific way to reward pupils, encourage them to bond outside the classroom and show them the great beauty of the world. Additionally, these trips can be valuable experiences that teach them a host of important life lessons, as well as provide them with plenty of exercise and fresh air.
There are many great destinations to choose from, but Marmot Basin in the stunning Canadian Rockies is particularly good for a school trip. Here is what you can expect at this beautiful, fun and friendly resort.
The Skiing
When travelling with a large group, it is important that the resort has skiing for all abilities. Marmot Basin has this in spades with over 1,600 acres of alpine terrain with runs catered to beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers. In addition to this, students (and teachers!) can benefit from high-quality ski lessons, easy rentals, high safety standards and an excellent lift system. The group is sure to love shredding powder each day and should return home an improved skier – this can also do wonders for their confidence and self-esteem.
The Scenery
One of the biggest pulls for Marmot Basin is the jaw-dropping scenery. The vast expanse is set within the magnificent Jasper National Park, which is the largest Rocky Mountain Park in all of Canada. The pupils are sure to be in awe of the natural surroundings and the wildlife that can be found here. Expect to see frozen waterfalls, epic lakes, thick woodland, dramatic mountain ridges and much more. Be sure to pack a camera!
The Après Ski Activities
Marmot Basin has a host of activities for students other than tearing down the mountain. Ice skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing (great for exploring), wildlife tours and swimming are a few of the more active options available. When the group wants to relax after a long day of shredding powder, consider a pizza night, watching a film in the cinema or even checking out a hockey game. It is also easy to chill out in the accommodation (more on this below) where you could arrange quizzes, card games and other fun activities.
The Educational Experiences
A school trip should always be educational; your class can learn plenty in this Canadian resort. Youth groups can benefit from free lessons on the mountain in the state-of-the-art Marmot Learning Centre with programmes put on by qualified Parks Canada educational staff. Avalanche Safety, Winter Work, Emergency Situations and Species at Risk are the lessons available.
The Accommodation
The superb Lobstick Lodge is ideal for those on a school trip thanks to its size, facilities and location. The welcoming hotel has 139 rooms available, each with free Wi-Fi, televi-sions with cable and coffee makers. Facilities include a large restaurant, TV room, gym, indoor pool, steam room, Jacuzzi and meeting rooms. Conveniently, the hotel is just a pleasant 10-minute stroll from Jasper, close to the sports centre, ice rink and cultural ac-tivity centre. The slopes are just a 20-minute shuttle ride away, so getting out and skiing each day is quick and easy.
A school ski trip to the breathtakingly beautiful Marmot Basin in the Canadian Rockies will prove to be an incredible experience for the entire group. In addition to being great fun and a reward for the class, it can also be a valuable school trip that shows pupils one of the most stunning parts of the world and develops a range of important life skills.
John Gardiner is the Managing Director of The School Travel Company, a tour operator specialising in school trip itineraries for school and youth groups to the UK, Europe and beyond. As a father and avid traveller, John is very passionate about providing students with valuable and engaging learning experiences outside of the classroom. By sharing his expert advice with teachers, he allows them to inspire their students and bring their studies to life.
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