You snow it makes sense

End the year on a high in the French Alps with UEA’s Christmas ski trip.

The trip is to Val Thorens, France, the resort was a big hit last year so many will be pleased to be heading back. It is one of several resorts that make up The Three Valley ski area that boasts over 600km of slopes making it one of the largest ski areas in the world. Furthermore at an altitude of 2300m Val Thorens offers excellent ski conditions from November until May. Leaving on the 15^th December the base trip price is £359 with optional extras.

Save your dough If morning comes and you find yourself being harassed by an overzealous bakery salesman, do not in your hungover state agree to a ordering a ridiculous amount of baked goods simply to get shot of the poor chap. You’ll need this money for flaming shots of alcohol later.

Make the most of the slopes It sounds obvious but you are only there for a week, avoid lay ins and spend every minute you can making the most of the vast 3 valley area, the fresh mountain air and waffles are an awesome hangover cure.

Air-bag Search for a large inflatable airbag in one of the snow parks, for the thrill seekers who want to experience a back flip without actually having to nail the landing. Instead you will be landing in a comfy bag of air.

Get back to your valley in time One of the downsides of the sheer size of the Three Valleys is that if you find yourself stuck two mountains away from your resort when the lifts close, you could be staring down the barrel of a hefty taxi fare or lengthy bus ride so keep a track of time!

Upgrade your ski pass One of the several additional options on the trip price but certainly worth it for the competent skier/border. The upgrade grants access to the entire Three Valley area including resorts such as Les Menuires, Meribel and celebrity favourite, Courchevel.

Go big (But also take care, I feel some sense of duty to not just say “go and get really, really drunk”, but it is a student trip!) There are a multitude of great bars, pubs and clubs scattered across the mountain. Make the most of the party atmosphere, but I’d advise to save the majority of the debauchery when the skis are off! It’s easy to get carried away after a few mulled wines and start believing you are Simon Dumont once you click in, but beer + two planks of wood on a snow covered mountain can overcome the best of us!

For anyone looking to get involved with skiing or snowboarding for the first time the club are offering beginner’s sessions at the local dry ski slope, starting this Wednesday. Free transport to and from the ski slope is included in club membership fee.

For the more competent skier or boarder there is also the option to be involved with freestyle and race training.

As well as the local ski slope the club also organises trips to the indoor ‘real snow’ slope in Milton Keynes.

The first snow sports social of the year is this Wednesday 10, it’s a great opportunity to meet others going on the trip. Don’t be put off if none of your flatmates or classmates are thinking of going on the trip, none of mine were last year, get down to the social and meet some other snow lovers!

For any extra trip or general snowsports information check out the Facebook page or follow the club on Twitter.