Cranleigh Prep School skip trip headed for Arosa in Eastern Switzerland this March, the third consecutive year in this fine resort and the sixth visit there in the last seven years.
After a silly o’clock start from Heathrow we headed towards the Walensee, stopping just short of that gorgeous lake to eat lunch at arguably the best motorway services in the world, the Glarnerland Marché, and then arriving at sun-soaked Chur to transfer to the spectacular train ride up to our destination.
The Hotel Astoria never fails to please and so it was this time. The family run establishment bends over backwards to offer outstanding hospitality and even though Oli Schmidt, the co-owner, was stricken by horrible ‘flu’, the place ran as smoothly as ever.
Skiing at the end of March may present risks of lack of snow in some resorts but this is not so in Arosa which has altitude on its side. The pistes were perfect until lunchtime after which they became soft, but as we were out at 9.30 this didn’t matter too much. What was impressive was the weather; after Day One there wasn’t a cloud to be seen.
Many adventurous skiers, both children and adults, ventured over to Lenzerheide, now connected by a massive lift to Arosa, for even more fun. Meanwhile back on the nursery slopes the beginners were progressing fast to the greens and reds higher up.
Off the slopes all the usual culprits were present – the tobogganing, bingo, bowling, quiz night and fancy dress kept everyone busy and entertained – and we all came back safe and sound but needing a holiday.
