Stamford College Students Trade the Classroom for the Alps in French Study Trip

Students from the Public Services and Sport departments at Stamford College have returned from a week-long trip to the world-renowned Les Menuires and Val Thorens resorts in the French Alps.

This annual trip is a key part of the curriculum, designed to push students out of their comfort zones and into one of the most challenging physical environments in Europe. Throughout the week, the cohort swapped traditional lessons for the high-altitude slopes, focusing on high-level coordination, physical endurance, and the technical demands of navigating alpine terrain.

For many of the students, the trip represented a series of “firsts,” as they took to the snow to learn the ropes of skiing under the guidance of expert instructors. While some seasoned skiers in the group were able to sharpen their advanced techniques, the beginners showed remarkable resilience, quickly progressing from the introductory slopes to the runs of Val Thorens. 

The trip was more than just a physical challenge, it developed teamwork and personal skills. Living and working together allowed the students to feel a greater sense of independence. Cultivating these high-level professional skills is exactly what we want our students to achieve during their time at college, ensuring they are fully prepared for their future careers.