A nice and early start saw everyone arrive on time and we departed GHS at 6 am. Our travel to Mt Stirling was smooth and by 11.30 we were fitting our skis on and keen to learn how to Cross Country Ski in the subalpine environment. The weather was cold and grey but there was heaps of snow around which was great. We saw many beautiful Alpine Ash trees and several different birds but as we progressed higher into the Alpine environment twisted and gnarled Snow Gums replaced the Alpine Ash trees and we didn’t see much fauna anymore as the conditions became colder. What a group they tried and tried again. Climb up the practice run, start to ski down, fall over, get up, start to ski down, fall over again and repeat. As the afternoon progresses the falling down bit got fewer and fewer for many which was progress.

Today we learnt a lot about both the Alpine environment and the basics of XC Skiing. The pizza shapes and herring bones were starting to look good and as our energy levels started dropping it was getting late so we headed back down the hill to check into our accommodation.

The day was challenging but heaps of fun. Everyone fell over heaps and there was a pretty epic snow ball fight to be had.

On day 2 we got back on the hill and started to climb. As it got steeper, for many it was 3 steps forward and 2 steps back but smiles were on faces and people kept challenging themselves. After a bit we got up to the Machinery shed and had some lunch. After lunch we kept climbing to Cricket Pitch. Up here there were heaps of fun runs and for many the speed was getting quicker and the falls fewer. Now this is fun.

After a while it was time for the best bit, time to start skiing down. Our turns were definitely getting better as was our ability to slow down (for most anyway). We had a ball getting down and it was amazing how much better we had all got over a day and a half. We got to the bus at about 5pm. That was a big day but what a ripping day.

Day 3 was our downhill day at Mt Buller. The differences between the natural aspect of Mt Stirling to Mt Buller was amazing and a real eye opener. Our day of Snowboarding was so fun, some picked it up really quickly and progressed onto some blue runs and others sticked to the green runs. Snowboarding is definitely something many would like to have another go at as I feel like I was getting better with every run and it was so much fun.

Camp was great. We had the best time. Most of the class had never seen snow before so that was pretty exciting and such a great experience. Definitely want go again soon.

Students of the Yr 11 Outdoor Enviro Class