School ski trips can be fabulously rewarding experiences for all involved, so those planning to organise them might understandably feel the need to get every detail just right – especially the destination.

A ski resort for school visits needs to be right for the group’s ability level – which may well be mixed – as well as having an enjoyable and teen-friendly atmosphere and a good range of activities to keep students having a great time beyond the slopes. For groups of mixed experience and ability a resort with a variety of runs is essential, and Peyragudes in the heart of France’s Pyrenees has just that. Its 60km of ski routes offers something for everyone: a beginners’ area on the lower slopes and a long green run for learners who want to go a little further than most beginners’ runs allow for; then there are 20 blue and 20 red runs, so there’s no risk of intermediate skiers getting bored! A park and a half-pipe for snowboarding complete the resort’s excellent array of facilities. Coupled with a great range of non-ski activities and a lively après-ski atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Peyragudes is one of France’s most popular resorts – here are some ideas for other activities to make for truly memorable school ski trips.

Snow – not just for skiing

While those taking school ski trips have one activity – skiing – in mind above all others, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the snow. Taking some time out for a slower-paced outdoor activity can be beneficial for even the most enthusiastic of skiers, giving ‘breathing’ space to both muscles and mind. Why not try an exploration by snowshoe – or, for something really different, a ride with sleigh dogs? These options will let students see the landscape that they’ve zoomed past up close, helping them to appreciate the environment that makes skiing possible.

Bad weather day?

Bad weather can be frustrating for anyone on school ski trips, but turn disappointment to fun with the resort’s wide range of indoor options. The town of Luchon has plenty of shops and cosy cafes in which to while away a blizzard, but its crowning attraction is its thermal spa for which the town is named – its full name being Bagneres-de-Luchon. The Romans built the first baths here, over the hot springs; today the baths and spa are a fully modernised experience making the most of the town’s natural resources – well worth a visit!

Après-Ski: fun for all

After a day on the pistes, there’s nothing like rewarding yourself – and building up the energy that you’ll need for tomorrow – with a hearty meal, and Luchon has a good range of restaurants. Dinner can be followed with a film night, disco, or karaoke session to make for a full, relaxing evening before returning to the slopes with renewed vigour.

After a day on the pistes, there’s nothing like rewarding yourself – and building up the energy that you’ll need for tomorrow – with a hearty meal, and Luchon has a good range of restaurants. Dinner can be followed with a film night, disco, or karaoke session to make for a full, relaxing evening before returning to the slopes with renewed vigour.