A group of students snakes down the run on the beautiful last day. The program has been a success. We had sought to prepare ourselves, students and staff, for any situation that might occur. The real question is "What if?"

A snow sports program is included in Yarra Valley Grammar's extensive curriculum.  Alpine weather conditions have the potential to change quickly and to catch students off guard, presenting them with difficult choices. Preparing students to be safe while snowboarding/skiing prior to hitting the slopes can help them make good decisions if confronted with challenges.

PRE-PROGRAM PREPARATIONS

Seek the school's approval to conduct a snow sports program, and prepare appropriate letters, authorization, equipment and medical forms.

Conduct Information and Interest Sessions at School

Informing students about what to expect while in the snow is important. It is a snow sports program, not a 'leisure lodge' program. Gauge students' genuine interest.

Set Clear Expectations

The alpine environment demands serious respect. This needs to be conveyed to and understood by all involved.

Discuss Equipment Gear List with Parent's and Students

They need to be familiar with the appropriate clothing that is going to keep them safe and warm in alpine conditions.

Split the equipment / clothing list into two sections: (1) on snow clothing, and (2) lodge clothing. Bring samples of all clothing and equipment and go through this, passing the individual items around so parents and students can feel the different materials.  Stress to the parents the importance of this gear. Give them a store close to the school where they can source the clothing you are expecting the students to bring.

Another option would be to buy thermals that can be supplied or hired to the students. The outer shell is also very important safety gear.  Ensure you have either hired appropriate waterproof jackets or over pants for all students or they have their own. If students have their own it is advisable to check that they are appropriate. Some students may translate 'waterproof' as water resistant or even splash proof. Students could be requested to bring their bags prior to the departure day and staff could double check that all required clothing is there and is appropriate.

Transportation

Treat this area seriously. Research well what coach companies are more experienced driving in snow and in icy conditions. The cheapest company may not be the safest. Also research the experience of the coach driver taking your students to the snow.
Some schools have their own bus. Staff should only drive the bus if they have a licence to drive in a hazardous area and the appropriate expertise to ensure safety. School vehicles require a winter service prior to entering the alpine area. It is advisable to practise chain fitting beforehand. Familiarizing yourself with the use of chains will ensure a smooth, speedy and correct chain fitting on the snow. The safety of your students and staff is of the utmost importance at all times.

Fitness Sessions

Encourage students and staff to be as fit as possible prior to the program to ensure full enjoyment and success.

Staffing

Consider a combination of outdoor education staff and school teaching staff. It is advisable that all staff accompanying the students excel in their own disciplines. Staff also need to be confident and knowledgeable on the resort they are visiting. They need to be given clear instructions as to expectations and the role they will undertake for the program.

Accommodation

Of the various accommodations offered at the resorts, it would greatly improve group management if you were able to hire an entire lodge as sole occupants, thus avoiding influence from other patrons.

Gear Hire

You have three choices

1. To hire at the resort you are visiting
2. To hire on the way up to the snow
3. To have students fully prepared with all of their hire gear prior to trip departure, bringing it to Ihe bus on departure day

Pros and cons to consider would be:

• Number of students in the group. A larger group will greatly increase the time it takes to hire gear.
• Are you getting board/ski/helmet/wrist guards as a package?
• If there is gear failure are you in a position to hire more gear, take it back and replace it or fix it yourself? To avoid confusion, label each hire item clearly with the child's name on duct tape so it will not come off.

ARRIVING AT THE ALPINE RESORT

Initial Briefing

Reinforce what is expected of students, overview the program, make introductions, allocate rooms and tour the venue. Advise where to find staff in the night in an emergency. Run through the emergency response procedure again - the signal, where to meet, what to do at the meeting point, what to bring. Physically walk the students through this procedure.

House female and male students totally separately. Place staff in rooms between the students and at exits where possible.

On the Snow Program

The program coordinator will carry copies of medical forms, program notes, emergency response procedures and emergency numbers at all times. This person is not responsible for a group, but is there to assist the staff with students as required.

All staff on snow should be contactable through mobile phone or radios. Ensure the system you use is in good working order. Check the mobile phone provider's reception.
Students should be grouped by ability where possible. This allows the groups to develop their skills at approximately the same speed. This also ensures students with greater skill are not held back and bored.

Ensure you have researched and comply with current activity safety standards for the activity you are conducting. Try www.voea.vic.edu.au for reference.

Ensure that staffing is allocated appropriately to each group for maximum benefit to the group. Yarra Valley Grammar has either a teaching staff member or outdoor educator with each group for the entire program. They also have a staff member from the snow sports school. At no point are students left alone as a group.

Develop an emergency name card for each student. Yarra Valley Grammar produces laminated cards the size of a lift pass to attach to the lift pass. This laminated card carries the following information:

• Student's name
• Name of the school
• Emergency contact name and number
• Accommodation number
• Lost procedure
• Always ride in control
• No terrain park
• Responsibility of school staff

Students also carry around their necks a pea-less whistle for attracting attention if required.

Students may wear a bright coloured arm or leg band, Japara, or helmet for quick group identification.

Lost / Separated from Group Procedure

It is very important that students know the lost procedure like second nature.
Things to consider:

• Prior to departure ensure staff conduct head checks and visual checks of all students.
• Ensure students have appropriate clothing and their helmets done up and fitted correctly.
• Ensure students have lift pass, pea-less whistle and emergency name card.
• Ensure students have put on sunscreen.
• Ensure students have been given clear instructions for session and meeting times and places.
• Set up, explain and reinforce a three-way buddy system for all students.
• Detail what the group is going to be doing.

For example: as a group we are going to meet at the bottom of the summit chair. Once at the bottom a new instruction is given, we will regroup at the top on the left hand side. We will be heading down the Village run and meeting at the bottom of the summit chair. Do not move until everyone is at the bottom of that chair. If you are hurt, one buddy is to stay with you and one is to meet at the designated meeting point.

Reiterate what to do if a student is hurt or injured. If you cannot ride, ask the closest person for assistance. They may call the emergency contact person for you. If you are hurt or injured and you cannot see anyone, blow your whistle. (You may have entered an out-of-bounds or steep slope area.)

Three loud, long whistle blasts, wait and listen for any sign of help or communication, then repeat. Continue until help arrives.

Utilizing the Snow Sports School

Unless the staff have vast experience, skill and qualification for snow sports, it would be advisable to engage the services of the snow sports school. The staff member from Yarra Valley Grammar engages in these lessons and supports the snow sports school staff with pastoral care and disciplinary action if required.

Mobile Phones

Yarra Valley Grammar has a no phone policy on all outdoor education programs.

Conclusion

The alpine environment provides an opportunity for both physical, mental and interpersonal growth in students. We work hard to ensure they continue to enjoy and learn in the environment while developing an appreciation for the challenging situations that can arise.

Ms. Kellie Fielder is Head of outdoor education Yarra Valley Grammar. For further information, she can be contacted on 9262 7700 or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Yarra Valley Grammar website, www.yvg.vic.edu.au