CORE Kids Ski Trip 2026: An Unforgettable Week on (and off) the Slopes

This year’s group was something really special. We had five schools travelling together: three special schools (Castletower, Rostulla and Thornfeild) and two mainstream schools (Cranalridge and Ballycarrickmaddy). What made it even better was that many of us were meeting for the very first time on that bus—yet by the end of the week we’d return home feeling like old friends.

Our party included a brilliant mix of students, teachers, principals, classroom assistants, parents, and even a granny—proof that this trip is about much more than skiing. It’s about people.

From Verona to Folgaria: Our New Home for the Week

After landing in Verona, we travelled onwards to Hotel Mirionti in Folgaria, which quickly became our home away from home. Once settled, it was time for our first taste of ski life: ski fitting.

There’s nothing quite like the moment you put on ski boots for the first time—equal parts excitement, confusion, and hard work! Boots, skis, helmets… and plenty of laughter. After dinner we had a quick debrief, some card games and chats, then it was off to bed—because this trip doesn’t mess around.

7:00am wake-up. Game on.

The Daily Routine: Simple, Brilliant, and Full of Progress

Each morning followed a rhythm that worked perfectly:

• Breakfast

• 8:35am bus pick-up

• A short ride to the slopes where all our ski gear was stored

• Meet our amazing instructors

From the very beginning, it was obvious our instructors loved what they do. They brought energy, patience, and humour every single day—and it made a huge difference for every skier in the group.

We had stories everywhere you looked. Thornfeild had returning pupils—Jacob and Jessica—back for their second CORE Kids ski trip, and they were brilliant examples of how confidence grows when you come back for round two. Rostulla skied as a full group all week, backing each other up every day and showing what teamwork on the slopes really looks like. And Ballycarrickmaddy brought a past pupil, along with his sister (a current pupil)—with the cherry on top being her birthday landing on the Friday, giving us all another reason to celebrate together.

We also had a brilliant example of previous ski experience in the group: one of our Cranalridge teachers came along with her son, and between them they’d already skied in America. It added a lovely dynamic—parent and child sharing the trip together—and it brought an extra bit of confidence and excitement into the mix.

From our youngest skier at just 6 years old, to the legendary Jack, who has Down syndrome, and his even more legendary granny Noleen, everyone brought something special to the group. Different starting points didn’t matter—what mattered was that everyone moved forward.

After the first two-hour ski session, it was time for lunch on the slopes in the local legends resturant, Buffalo and his brilliant team, who looked after us so well all week. Then it was back out for another two-hour lesson, before heading back to the hotel to shower, rest, and explore the beautiful, quiet village of Folgaria.

Evenings That Brought Everyone Together

After dinner each night, we ran an evening activity—and these ended up becoming some of the biggest highlights of the week.

Our games night was a turning point. It helped mix all five schools together properly, and it was amazing to watch new friendships forming in real time. A few teachers brought their own card games too, and they turned out to be the perfect way for people to relax, laugh, and connect.

Other stand-out moments included:

• Tubing (basically launching yourself down a 50-foot sheet of ice on a rubber tube—absolute chaos in the best way)

• Pizza night in a proper Italian pizzeria

• A chilled evening with our own private screening of Jurassic World

And maybe one of the biggest wins of all: time away from screens. Real conversations. Real laughter. Real connection.

More Than Skiing: Confidence, Resilience, and Lifelong Memories

Yes, the skiing was class. Every day the group improved—some faster than others—but everyone progressed at their own pace. There were falls, there were laughs, there were “I can’t do it” moments that turned into “I DID IT” moments. And through it all, friendship grew stronger.

But the biggest positives went far beyond the slopes:

• The resilience and persistence of every child

• The constant encouragement from staff and instructors

• The tough love when it was needed

• The confidence gained from navigating new situations

• Seeing pupils interact with locals, ask for what they needed, and grow in independence

• Staff and parents building friendships—and even collaborations—to create more opportunities for kids back home

Special Thanks: Alessandro, Max, and a everyone at Topflight.

A special mention has to go to our Topflight rep Alessandro, and his “Yoda”, Max. Nothing was ever a problem—every question had an instant solution. They were exactly the kind of people you want by your side on a trip like this: calm, capable, and always one step ahead.

Topflight as a whole made the trip feel seamless. Their support pre-trip from Simon and Maria, during the week, and afterwards was excellent—everything was clear, organised, and run with real care (and again… it definitely made me look good, lol).

Until Next Year…

After running this trip for the second year, I can genuinely say it creates friendships and connections for life. The value of an experience like this can’t be overstated. These are the kind of memories that last forever—for students, staff, parents, and everyone involved.

And now the only real question is…

Will you be joining us next year? 

For more info, fill out this expression of interest form - https://forms.gle/n8xH5nLQKvjtem4U9