L I N T O N V I L L A G E C O L L E G E Ski Booklet 2016 Student/Parent Handbook Saturday, 13 February 2016 to Saturday, 20 February 2016
Dear Skier We have compiled this information booklet to help you prepare for your ski holiday. Please read the booklet in its entirety, taking special note of the rules and equipment. I hope that we can have an enjoyable holiday and that this will help you prepare for it. If you have any questions then please feel free to ask. Regards Heidi Baber
TRAVEL OUTBOUND Saturday, 13 February Arrive at LVC with all equipment at 17.00 prompt. Bus will leave at 17.30 on the dot. Please ensure you arrive by this time as the coach has been known to be held up in past years. Travel overnight through France. Approximately 08.00 stop for an hour for breakfast. (Please remember to bring money for breakfast.) Approximate arrival at resort is expected to be early afternoon (ETA 16:30). INBOUND Saturday, 20 February Leave resort early evening on 19 February Overnight travel to Calais with occasional 15-minute stops 10.45am ferry from Calais Approximately 14.30pm arrive back at LVC
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO LEARN ON YOUR SKI HOLIDAY The BASI qualified instructors will teach their lessons based around something called the central theme, this is one of the best and easiest ways to develop your skiing as quickly and efficiently as possible. In essence the holiday objective is to be able to ski as much of the hill as possible whilst being safe, having fun and learning. When all these are completed you will feel well on your way to skiing the whole mountain. There are 5 basic elements to the central theme: Skiing effectively Control of speed and line Adjustments, for varying terrain and line Steering, to enable you to turn Body management (balance and control) Flow, linking all these elements together If you are an advanced skier you will be skiing beyond the central theme and hence focus on the skiing of bumps and crud and also ski faster and spend time refining carving, edging and short radius turns. For this you need to ensure that you have high enough fitness levels because you will ski further and harder than the beginner groups (your instructor will not force you to ski anything you do not wish to). It is also likely that instructors will point at places on the piste where you can try your hand (or feet) at small jumps, though you will not have access to the snowpark. I would recommend that advanced skiers wear a helmet due to the extra mileage and speed you will be travelling at. As a beginner skier you will follow a series of activities based on a theme like the one below (BASI theme):
Introductory activities To become familiar with the equipment and develop co-ordinated movement of skis e.g. walking with skis and boots on, practising standing up Sliding To become familiar with the sensation of sliding and develop good posture and balance, which underpin all the next stages. Ploughing To control the descent and lay the foundations of learning to steer, this will involve the skis being in a wedge shape to help slow you down. Plough Turning To control speed and direction by steering the skis. At this point you will venture higher up the mountain and see some different runs (probably day 2 or 3) Plough paralleling To control speed and direction on steeper slopes and move towards parallel skiing. By this point you will be cruising the blues and start to look very stylish. Parallel turning The start of advanced skiing (bumps, higher speeds, steep terrain, variable conditions, powder). Intermediate skiers will spend their time refining their turns and making sure that they have the basics required to ski blue and red runs safely. It is likely that towards the end of the week you will be skiing good quality controlled parallel turns.
CLOTHING AND PERSONAL EFFECTS CHECK LIST Please keep the size of your luggage down as much as possible, also please use a squashy holdall if possible as this fits on the coach a lot easier, we will be hard pressed for space! SKIING: Temperatures can vary greatly when skiing, depending on the amount of exercise you are involved in and the height on the mountain. It is better to wear several thin layers rather than one thick garment. The greatest heat loss is through the head, so a hat is essential. Ski jacket (Bring warm jacket if using Snowco clothing) Ski trousers or salopettes Headwear, hat/helmet Sports shirts Sweaters/jumper/hoody Snood/Buff* Calf length tube/ski socks Ski gloves or mitts Underwear for skiing** Ski goggles Sun cream and lip salve Small rucksack to use whilst skiing Checked Packed *Long scarves can be dangerous if they become entangled in ski lifts ** T-shirts, cycle shorts, leggings and tights are useful underlayers if you do not want thermal underwear APRÈS SKI AND GENERAL: Après ski dress is very casual and you will still need to keep warm. You will be in skiwear for most of the day, so don t pack too many clothes for the evening. You would be better filling any spaces in your case with extras to keep you warm for the serious bit the skiing! Casual evening wear, eg trousers/jeans/skirt/shirt/blouse/jersey Gloves Socks Underwear Nightwear Swim wear Toiletries soap, facecloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, alcohol hand wash gel Towel Hairbrush/comb Outdoor shoes or snowboots Trainers/comfortable shoes for evening/hotel wear Power Adaptor Camera* Pencils/pens Reading books/cards/travel games Sweets/Biscuits/nibbles for journey Checked Packed
FOOD ARRANGEMENTS Note: PLEASE DO NOT BRING NUT OR FOOD WITH A HIGH NUT CONTENT BREAKFAST: Please bring money/packed breakfast for the journey out. Breakfasts in the hotel will most likely consist of ham, cheese (the traditional Austrian Breakfast)! It all depends on the local deliveries. It is always recommended that you eat a decent breakfast to set you up for a long day on the mountain. LUNCH: This meal will be taken on the hill with the instructor. Mountain restaurants will usually offer a soft drink (YOU SHOULD ALWAYS GO FOR THE BOTTLE OF WATER OPTION SO YOU DON T DEHYDRATE) and a selection of hot food. You can also supplement this with some pocket money if you want to. You will be given an 8 euro voucher to spend. DINNER: Please bring packed tea or money for the ferry on the journey home. This should be a 3 course meal, eaten in the hotel restaurant. Obviously this menu will vary from day to day and it s usually exciting to wait and see what will come out! Those of you requiring special meals will be catered for as well as possible. SOME RULES: I think it is nice for everyone to eat dinner together, so I will be asking all students to attend dinner at a given time. There will also be the rule that no mobile phones are permitted at dinner and that students will remain in the dining room until everyone has finished eating. I feel that dinner time is a lovely time for everyone to catch up on the day s activities and should be a polite, distraction free time, like dinner with the family at home.
IMPORTANT TO REFUEL DURING SKIING During a ski trip some of you will do more exercise in a week than you do in a month, or even six months in some cases!!! It is vital, therefore, to maintain a high carbohydrate diet to replace your glycogen (energy) stores. You use glycogen as a car uses fuels, so you need to refuel with high quality fuels (carbohydrates). During a day s skiing it is important to top up as some skiers will show a 50% reduction in muscle glycogen in a day. If you can stop for a snack mid-morning and afternoon plus lunch, you will have far more energy. Go for pasta, bread, scones, muffins, bananas, etc. You could also take a glucose polymer sports drink to replace carbohydrates. Glucose can also be found in chocolate bars. Make sure you drink when you leave the slopes so that you can begin to replenish your glycogen. Do not wait two or three hours until your evening meal. Fluid intake and replacement after skiing is vital to avoid dehydration. Even though it may be cold, you will lose fluid through sweating and breathe vapour. You need to drink THREE to FOUR litres during the day. Drink little and often as thirst is a bad indicator as you are actually dehydrated some time before you start to feel thirsty. Dehydration will reduce your performance, skill and co-ordination and increase your risk of INJURY. A high proportion of injuries occur when a skier decides to do one more run at the end of the day and they are dehydrated and low on energy, so they fall and hurt themselves. It is a simple way to eat and drink the right things and get more out of your holiday.
HAVE FUN-BE SAFE ON THE PISTE Never ski alone or when tired Do not ski through ski school groups Learn to stop. Do not sit down or fall into soft snow If you fall, sit back and to one side When you stop keep to the side of the piste Do not ski across ski tow except at marked crossings Look before starting off Do not stop on a bend or a narrow spot Obey signs, eg PISTE CLOSED Ski within your ability Slow skiers have right of way Do not do anything unpredictable Always dress for poor weather conditions You are responsible if your ski injures someone ON THE LIFTS Keep skis in tram lines when on ski tow Do not weave from side to side If you fall get out of the way quickly Move away from the top of the lift quickly to avoid congestion Do not swing from side to side on chairlifts OFF PISTE Remove snow from ski bindings it might freeze Take care of ski equipment. It is expensive to replace Carry skis correctly over shoulders, points forward and down. Remember the length of ski behind you! Ski boots must not be worn in the hotel
DON T BE A TOAD! USE THE SKI-WAY CODE (THE FIS SKI RULES) 2. Control of Speed & Skiing Only ski within the limits of your ability, and be sure you can always stop safely 1. Respect for Others Be aware of all skiers around you and do not endanger them 3. Choice of Route Pick your route carefully and be prepared to handle changing situations with skiers and the mountain itself 5. Starting or Entering a Piste Look up and down the run and ensure enough space to avoid other skiers paths 4. Overtaking Always allow space for others to make their turns and remember that skiers ahead of you have right of way 6. Stopping on the Piste Always stop at the side of the piste, away from narrow places, blind corners or sudden drops. After a fall, move quickly to the side 7. Climbing & Descending on Foot If this is necessary, keep to the side, near piste markers 8. Respect for Signs & Markings ALWAYS obey signs. They provide vital information for YOU and YOUR SAFETY on the mountain SAFE SKIING! with THE ENGLISH SKI COUNCIL 9. Assistance at Accidents & Identification Understand accident procedures and be prepared to help. Witnesses must provide names and addresses
There are also some additional things which are worth bearing in mind: Always carry a piste map and know how to read it Carry goggles and a warm hat for if the weather turns nasty. Always have a ski jacket with you, even if your group all decide to leave them in a pile by the nursery slope you must be close to them in case the weather gets nasty Keep an eye out for other members of your group and point out to the instructor immediately if something is wrong HOW TO GET UP THERE TO SKI DOWN! DRAG LIFT / SKI TOW Button or poma small disc attached to over-head cable, placed between legs & under bottom. T bar similar to button lift bar placed under bottom, carries two people. CHAIR LIFT One, two or more chairs suspended from over-head cable leave skis on when using chair lift and wear plenty of clothing, it can get very cold. TELECABINE/BUCKET LIFT/GONDOLA Similar to chair lift but enclosed skis are not worn but placed in rack on outside poles are taken inside. Alpine skier* code of conduct and area rules Alpine skier code of conduct Privileges conferred by the ticket and season pass are subject to skier complying to the following code of conduct and area rules Code adopted under the safety in sports Act. This code applies to all alpine skiers and anyone practising a sport intended to be practised on an alpine ski slope. Every skier is required to: 1. Obey the signs 2. Yield the right of way to skiers downhill and choose a course that does not jeopardise their safety 3. Yield the right of way to skiers uphill when entering a slope and at intersections 4. Use skis equipped with safety edges and a braking system 5. Make sure when stopping on a slope that he is visible to skiers uphill and that he is not obstructing the slope It is prohibited for any skier to: 1. Do a fast downhill run 2. Do jumps 3. Ski outside the ski slopes 4. Ski on a closed slope 5. Ski wearing a walkman 6. Cross the track of a surface lift in operation 7. Remove any signs 8. Leave the site of an accident in which he is involved without identifying himself to a ski patrol Area Rules Rules adopted by the ASSQ and in force in present area. These rules apply to all alpine skiers and anyone practising a sport intended to be practised on an alpine ski slope. Every skier is required to: 1. At all times be in control of his speed and direction 2. At all times be able to stop and to avoid other skiers as well as all obstacles of any nature 3. Ski on slopes and trails corresponding to his degree of ability and at all times ski within his limits and capabilities 4. Have discs on his poles It is forbidden to: 1. Ski under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substances impairing one s faculties 2. Use ski pole strips around wrists or arms while riding ski lifts 3. Have ski poles or board inside lodges Any violation of the duties, regulations, code of conduct and safety measures set forth above will result in the cancellation for a minimum of one day the privileges conferred by the ticket or season pass. You must immediately remit your ticket to any representative of the area upon simple request. You must read the text of your ticket which states conditions limiting the area liability. Piste Guide Green - Easy Blue - Easy Difficult Black - Difficult Very Difficult ALWAYS REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR LIFT PASS. NO LIFT PASS NO SKI!
ACCOMMODATION Hotel Post, Schwarzach Our cosy, traditional family business lies in the centre of the Salzburg Country and is the ideal starting point for all activities in the Salzburg ski -and mountain region. Comfortable rooms All with shower or bath and toilet, cable TV with radio, telephone, room safe and internet connection, mostly with balcony. Lift to all floors. Right in the heart of the city of Schwarzach Open all-season Family property since 1925 Lovely original Pongau-styled bar-room. snug "Pinewood" lounge and "Post-Stüberl" restaurant sunny terrace Chill-Out-Lounge
POSITIVE ACTION IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE Plan Ahead Get to know your hotel and the various ways of leaving your bedroom if any of the main exits are blocked by smoke. Make sure you know in advance what all your escape options are. Action on hearing a Fire Alarm Carry out the duties given to you for evacuating your party from the building. Proceed to your assembly point for a roll call as quickly as possible. Go to the window and attract attention You may have to escape before rescue is possible. Make an escape rope by knotting together sheets or similar material. Tie to a substantial piece of furniture, such as a bed. Ensure that it will not move when your weight is applied to the rope and lower yourself to the ground. You may not be able to make a rope and conditions may force you to leave. Bedding and cushions, etc dropped from the window will break your fall. Go through the window feet first, reduce the height of the fall by lowering yourself to the full extent of your arms and drop. Smoke Kills Close all doors to stop it advancing and use the safest route to reach your assembly point. Remember hot smoke rises and cleaner air is near the floor. Crawl forward cautiously towards the exit, closing all doors behind you, and leave the building as quickly as possible. If the corridor is filled with smoke, close the bedroom door and place clothing or bed linen in the gaps under and around the door to prevent smoke entering. Block any openings which are allowing smoke in the room. Should the room start to fill with smoke, lean out of window, unless you are stopped by flames and smoke coming from a room nearby or below. If prevented from leaning out, lie on the floor until you hear the Fire Brigade or rescue attempts. Action at night Close bedroom and Fire Doors. Clothes on fire Drop and Roll If your clothing catches fire, roll in the floor to put out the flames. A person with clothing alight should be laid on the floor and rolled in rugs, blankets or a thick coat. Get medical help.
DISCIPLINE CODE OF CONDUCT (VISITS) Whilst on a trip or activity off the College premises your son/daughter is expected to set a good example and be an ambassador for Linton Village College. Itemised below is the code of conduct that your son/daughter is expected to follow. 1. Instructions of staff must be obeyed without delay at all times. 2. Hotel bedrooms are out-of-bounds to the opposite sex at all times. 3. Rooms are to be kept clean and tidy. Any damage has to be paid for by the individual or the costs shared if there is collective responsibility. 4. No inappropriate use of the internet eg websites or cyber-bullying. 5. No photographs or videos of people without their permission. 6. Students are not allowed to smoke. 7. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed to be purchased or consumed. 8. Drugs (legal and illegal) are not allowed to be carried, purchased or used. 9. Punctuality is essential. Students must be ready for all programmed activities. 10. Bed times will be strictly adhered to. 11. Students are expected to be polite and well-mannered at all times. 12. Students are expected to respect the laws and customs of the country they are visiting. Any serious breach of this discipline code could lead to the following:- a) no evening activities for the offender(s) b) parents to be contacted and exclusion from daytime activities c) in the most extreme cases if the group leader determines it necessary, your child may be sent home at the parent's expense. This may involve you collecting your child from the venue. The Principal of the College will be consulted before any action is taken. While travelling by coach, students should: sit on a seat facing the front wear their seat belts properly not chew gum not use the ashtrays put any rubbish in the bags provided (see below) only get out of their seats in an emergency (ie feeling ill) only use personal devices to listen to music We would also ask that pupils are quiet between midnight and 7am, so that the drivers can sleep if they are not driving.
FINALLY I hope we can have an enjoyable and safe trip, please make sure that you are physically prepared and that you have all the correct equipment prior to breaking up for half term, that way if you have any problems we can sort them as soon as possible. Things to do before term breaks up: Return passports and European medical card to Mrs Clay in the safe in reception by Friday 22 January. Fill out the college version of the medical form and especially make sure it is signed by a parent in case of emergency if you have not already done so, or there are changes in CIRCUMSTANCES. QUIZ How well have you read this handbook? Try to answer these questions without looking back!: 1. What time do you need to arrive at LVC on Saturday, 13 Feb? 2. What colour is an Easy-Difficult piste? 3. What do the BASI qualified instructors teach their lessons based around? 4. What are the rules at mealtimes? 5. What type of diet should you be eating when skiing? CONTACT TELEPHONE Please only use this number in case of emergency: Ms Baber - Mobile: +44 (0)7711 832260.