MS Trip to Fu's: Ski and Snowboard

Introduction:

HIS, also known as Hokkaido International School, is located in Sapporo. It offers students many opportunities to have fun outdoor activities. Hokkaido is also known for its beautiful nature. Since it is one of the best places for good-quality snow for skiing and snowboarding, Middle School students went to Fu's from 2/13 to 2/14 to make a good Middle School life and lasting memories.

Departing:

The MS students were gathered at MPR to prepare to depart for Fu's Snow World. At 8:30 in the morning, HIS students were told by the teachers to move onto the bus. 8th-grade students went on the smaller bus, and 6th and 7th went on the bigger bus together. 

Ski (Miu’s pov):

Those who rented followed their teachers, and the children who owned their own went upstairs with theirs, ready to ski. After putting on their skis, the pupils were divided into their respective groups of teachers. Students who had never skied found their Fu’s instructor. The beginner group was divided into 2 and went with Mr. Rankin, our awesome P.E. teacher, and thankfully a few parents from MS students; the advanced group was divided into 4 groups, Mr. Mernin, Mr. Beatty, Ms. Tricia, and parents. At first, the beginner group went on the family course to get used to the snow since it had been one year since the last time we went skiing as a class. After a few hours, we went into the building and had lunch. There was a zangi-don, curry rice, ramen, etc. Some students brought their lunch, but most of the students bought themselves a nice meal. After eating it, some students bought themselves a seventeen-ice cream (ice cream that is sold in a vending machine).

Each group discussed with their group leader and then went back to the lift. Since it was after we had eaten, students were skiing down at a more relaxed and slower pace. With everyone smiling, we kept on going up and down until we were called by the teachers to get back to the bus to head back to the HIS.

Snowboard (Jessie’s pov):

After putting on my snowboard boots and picking up my snowboard, I gathered with my snowboarding group and waited for our teacher, Mr. Fazio, the 8th-grade homeroom teacher and Middle School teacher. After he came to gather with us, he brought passes so that we could finally go to the mountain. I strapped my board onto my boots, and off we went on the lift. We went on two lifts; the second had no bar for us to hold onto, which was scary at first. After we arrived on top of the mountain, everyone quickly strapped their other foot in, eagerly waiting to go down the slope. After the first run, I was hooked. I couldn't stop wanting to go on and on and on. Before we knew it, it was already lunchtime. My group and I quickly walked to the restaurant as if it were a race to see who would get to order their food and eat lunch first. We took lunch break as an advantage, talking to friends in different groups and catching up with each other's experiences. 

Fortunately, after the lunch break, I rode down the slope with the other snowboard group, including my closest friend in this school. That's when the real fun began. It was the first time we snowboarded together. Despite living in Hokkaido, it was like a play-date plan that would have never happened, but the school made it possible. I went on the lift but this time with my other friend. Soon after arriving at the top of the mountain, we repeated what we had done earlier: going down the slope over and over. After a while, students had the choice to continue skiing or snowboarding or stay inside the cafeteria. My friend and I decided to do a few more runs until we were freezing and tired. Finally, it was time to go back to school.

Unfortunately, I didn’t go on the second day, but the first day was a fun experience. I could go on a ski trip with my friends from school and slide down the mountain with them. I created new fun memories, such as snowboarding with my friends and eating snacks I had brought earlier on the lift with my friend, even though it was freezing outside and my fingers were starting to feel numb.

The way back to school:

What makes this school so special is that we can go to the mountains to ski and snowboard, an opportunity that many other schools may not be able to provide. The ski and snowboard trip to Fu’s was an unforgettable experience for everyone, filled with fun and excitement. However, this trip wasn’t just about enjoyment and exercise; it also allowed us to reset our minds and appreciate Hokkaido's incredible snow. After two days on the mountain, we can confidently say this trip was a success. 

On the way back to school after our ski and snowboard trip, all the students on the bus looked tired yet happy, with memories we would never forget.