No Bones and No Spirits Broken.

The final days skiing often means challanges, and pushing yourself to the limit, but as is often the case people can push themselves too far. After taking only my second red run, excitement can often lead to unreliability, being nervous enough doesnt help as you try to avoid a fallen comrade. A crash being innevitable, a trip down the sloap was completed inside something resembling a giant banana in the hands of the mountain rescue guiding it on skis, with Mr Parkinson humorously having too push himself to the limit in order to keep up.

After a confusing journey struggling to bridge the language barrier we ended up in a nearby hospital, with 12 stitches in the side of my head, dazed, sore and a big bill later, a stop of at a local kebab vendor was needed, conveniantly placed on the walk back to the hotel. Even though i do look like a turnip, with the bandage I am wearing. It is fortunate it being the last day as this has not fased me, and am excited to one day hit the sloaps again.

Glen Bilsborrow

A Teachers Persepective

Mr Doyle

Well, Sunday is here and the memories are still flowing. The washing is in, the decorations are down so I now have time to let people know how the trip was for me. I am tierd, sore, have eyes like lead ballons, but I would do it all again tomorrow.

Simply FANTASTIC, the reason for that, West Derby Boys.

I have loved watching the boys look at the mountain for the first time in awe, then only a few short days later charge down and celebrate like olympic champions, for their outstanding achivement. Having quite words with each other showing encouragement, concern, thanks, laughter and smiles. Taking over the Dampfelkessel and enjoying Austrian Apres Ski.

The staff where amazing by throwing themselves into everything and helping the trip run smoothly.

Finally I would like to thank all the boys for the fantastic gifts that you so kindly got for me, I was moved. very moved indeed.

So with a big smile and happy memories I have One last thing to say to you all ...

"FAT HEADS"

Miss Williams

Having never skiied before, I was really looking forward to going to Austria but was admittedly a little nervous too. I would personally like to thank the boys in my group for their support and for making the time we spent on piste so enjoyable.

Skiing is certainly an adrenaline rush and the boys proved to be fearless! It was a pleasure to be there with all pupils and staff and I will certainly never forget it!
Lastly, I would just like to give a little shout out to Traffic Boy......you are the best rear man a group could have! Best of luck in your exams!

Mr Stowers

I would just like to let you know how much I enjoyed the school trip to Austria.  The pupils were a credit to themselves, parents and the school. I was proud to be associated with them.  Thanks very much for inviting me to participate on the school trip.

Lisa Darlington

As a guest on this trip, having been to this Ski area before I was really excited. But nothing could prepare me for the warm welcome that the West Derby Boys gave me, this then turned into the best trip that I have had in Altenmarkt.

I have never laughed so much at my own football chant. Seeing so many polite young men enjoy themselves so much, that they can't wait to tell you what they have achieved that day, was amazing.

I too am taking 55 pupils to the same ski resort in February this year and West Derby boys have set very high standards to follow. Thank you for this fabulous experience :)

Mr Siddall

Well what can I say other than to echo the sentiments of the comments made so far???

As Austria was my first school trip abroad as a teacher I didn't really know what to be expect!!

I was more than pleasantly suprised. All of the preparation was done magnificantly and so it was left to the boys to represent our school. This is something they did tremendously as has already been stated.

I was fortunate enough to be grouped with the 6th form lads on the first day, something which I relished as I wanted to show off my superior skiing skills. However, this relish soon changed to embarrassment as the lads (mostly all novices) quickly surpassed by previously acquired, if somewhat limited skiing skills, which resulted in me being 'downgraded to a nomad.'

All of the boys present did West Derby proud, New Years Eve was a particular highlight

I for one will fondly remember this trip for years to come and hope to be part of many more successful West Derby ski tours!

Role on 2009!!!!