[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Castelli International School students and parents had an incredibly successful ski week in the midst of the picturesque Dolomites of the Val Zoldana, a skier’s paradise. The weather was amazing, sunny days and crisp snow…what more could one wish for? Oh yes, some fantastic company! The parents divided themselves into skiers and sun-tanners and all had a wonderful time on the ski slopes, enjoying the breathtaking views of the snow covered Dolomites and stopping every now and then for a hot chocolate or a “bombardino”.

Student Skiing Lesons

The students all merged into a dynamic ski group going down slopes of all levels under the able guide of their ski teacher, Simona. Their favorite ski activity was jumping over the ski bumps and seeing who jumped highest. Of course, they also had snow ball fights and devoured the delicious lunches in the ski lodge (baita) at the top of the mountain.
Val Zoldana is not only known for its magnificent ski slopes, it is also known for its delicious ice-cream. The students were treated to an artistically decorated ice-cream bowl one evening, as a prize, since they kept their rooms neat and clean…most of the time. Strangely enough, it’s the youngest boys that had the cleanest room and the eldest girls that had the most disorderly one.

After a day on the slopes

The evenings were spent mostly together in the warm and cozy hotel lobby, in front of a fireplace and engaging in various activities. The students were busy with 2 hour homework sessions every evening…but it was not only studying, there was also some play. They did quizzes on the detrimental effects of plastic and also watched some videos on the same topic, played some fun board games, chatted and sipped thick and creamy hot chocolate. The student dinner tables were chatty and lively interspersed with that joyous laughter typical of children. Whereas the parents would enjoy the best local wines while exchanging ideas and personal experiences, thus creating a cohesive and friendly group. The evening would end with a comforting warm herb tea or a strong herb “grappa”.

What’s great about our ski weeks?

Overall, this week was community enhancing for both parents and students. The learning experience the children had included acting responsibly and gaining independence but also watching out for each other and helping out any friend in need. What a pity that the week has only 7 days![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUe5VdT_FzQ”][/vc_column][/vc_row]