Wasting No Time
Written by Mr Andrew Dreitt-Smith
Today, unfortunately, was our last day skiing in Japan. It has been without doubt a wonderful experience for all involved having the opportunity to enjoy the variety of terrains across the mountain and culture of the Japanese people. The boys have been having a great time both on and off the ski fields as every time you walk out of the lodge you are immediately taken back by the environment that surrounds you and how different to that of home with mounds of snow everywhere and the vibrant ski village that Nesiko is.
After an understandably slow rising for breakfast as sore bones rested it was pleasing to see the ski room emptied by 9:30 with everyone out to make the most of the ski fields – it was clear that the boys were wasting no time today. Fresh snow covered the tracks of previous days offering a newness that excites the interest of all finding new areas to ski. I think the area that impressed me most today was a run the boys recommended to staff, Strawberry Fields. The run offered deep snow through the trees down steep terrain, as picturesque as the landscape was it did manage to bring all staff unstuck as the trap of our assailants unraveled, myself sliding helplessly on my back for a number of metres whilst reflecting on the boy’s comments, “its awesome sir”. Thankfully the day concluded injury free for students and staff and returning of equipment undamaged.
Today we also celebrated the birthdays of Tim Keighley (Year 12) who turned 18 and Tom Mencinsky (Year 10) who turned 15 with cake in the dining area bringing the group together in celebration, what a wonderful place to remember for years to come where you were on your birthday. The boys then enjoyed the opportunity to eat out in the village, savoring the local eateries of Japanese, Tepinyaki, and local favorite the Nesiko Pizza next door satisfying those late evening hunger attacks.
And so the skiing has come to an end. It really was quite incredible skiing the slopes and powder we did and the boys certainly made the most of it today.
Photo 1: Brendan Brosnan (Year 10) gets some air on his final day of skiing.
Photo 2: Tim Keighley (Year 12) and Tom Mencinsky (Year 10) prepare to cut their birthday cake.
Photo 3: Will O’Connell (Year 8), Daniel Calvetti (Year 9) and Dom Maurici (Year 8) enjoy their last crape before leaving Niseko.
