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HES | COURCHEVEL | SKI

Follow along as HES hit the snowy slopes of France!

January 19^th, 2026

DAY 1 - HES ARRIVES IN COURCHEVEL!

The journey has officially begun, and the excitement was already in the air from the very first moment. The HES group gathered at Dubai Airport, sharing hugs, smiles and last goodbyes with their families, before setting off together on a 7-hour flight towards France.

After landing in Lyon, the group met our tour leader, Amaia, who gave everyone a warm welcome before we continued our journey up into the mountains. As the landscape began to change and the incredible white blanket of snow appeared outside the windows, the excitement only grew — for some, it was the very first time seeing real snow.

Once we arrived in Courchevel, it was straight into ski fitting to make sure everyone was fully prepared for tomorrow’s first lessons. While the group was divided in two — one settling into rooms and organising luggage, the other heading to the ski shop — everything ran smoothly, with everyone helping each other get sorted.

With boots buckled and skis ready, we finally came together for our first evening meal. A well-earned moment to relax, share impressions from the day, and settle into mountain life after a long travel day. The adventure has officially begun!

Children and an adult prepare for skiing in a rental shop. The children sit on a red bench in front of a large mural of snow-covered mountains. The adult kneels and adjusts a child's boot.

Day 2 – First tracks & snowy smiles

The first ski day is here!

For some, the day started nice and early thanks to a bit of jet lag. Even so, everyone made it down to breakfast with good energy and well-rested bodies, ready for the first full day on the mountain.

With full stomachs and a clear plan ahead, we headed into our first adventure of the day: squeezing into ski boots, clipping goggles onto helmets, and somehow managing to carry skis, poles, gloves — and everything else — all at once.

As the group got ready, the first snowballs of the trip started flying. Most of the group couldn’t resist, rolling around in the snow as if they were at the beach, laughter echoing through the mountains.

Luckily, the shuttle bus made things easy, taking us straight to the gondola. From there, it was time to warm up and get into the flow — for some, learning the basics for the very first time; for others, reconnecting with skills they already had. A perfect first session to build confidence and get comfortable on the slopes.

After a full morning on the snow, it was time for a well-earned break. We recharged with our packed lunches, took a moment to rest, and soaked in the alpine surroundings before heading into the second lesson of the day.

Group of children in ski gear pose on a snowy slope in Courchevel. They wear colorful jackets and goggles, holding skis and poles, with snow-capped mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Three smiling children in ski gear ride a Courchevel gondola. They wear helmets and winter jackets in pink, blue, and navy. Outside, a snowy mountain is visible.

Four smiling children in ski gear ride a gondola at Courchevel ski resort. Snowy mountains are visible through the window. One child wears a mask with

Children in ski gear stand on snow, holding skis, with a red-jacketed adult walking ahead. Evergreen trees cover a hillside in the background under a cloudy sky at Courchevel.

Cozy evening

.After the second session on the slopes, we headed back to the chalet to warm up with a well-earned hot chocolate. Showers, cosy clothes and a relaxed game night followed — the perfect way to wind down after a full day on the mountain.

A group of children and an adult pose with skis in Courchevel, France, with snow-covered mountains in the background. The skiers wear helmets and goggles, and the adult wears a red ski suit. The day is bright and sunny.

A woman sits on a snowy ski slope in Courchevel, wearing a black ski suit and goggles. The sun shines behind her, and mountains and trees are visible in the background. Ski tracks mark the slope.

Child in blue ski suit and helmet smiles on snowy Courchevel slope, bright sunny day. Evergreen trees and distant snow-capped mountains in background.

Three skiers on a sunny slope at Courchevel ski resort. The skier in front wears pink pants and a beige jacket. Ski lift towers are visible on the snowy mountain behind.

Smiling children sit at tables eating snacks in a brightly lit room during a ski trip to Courchevel. The children are diverse and wear casual clothing. A whiteboard hangs on the wall.

Six smiling young girls sit around a table eating cookies in a brightly lit room. Stacks of chairs are visible in the background. The setting is Courchevel, France, during a ski trip.

Time to play & relax

Group of children sitting on floor in brightly lit hallway play with a yellow soccer ball. Some children reach for the ball, others watch.

A group of children sit and stand in a circle in a brightly lit room playing with a yellow soccer ball. The children are dressed in casual clothes. Some children are reaching for the ball. The walls are white and grey.

A group of children lie on the floor in a dimly lit room, some with eyes closed. Two children sit against the wall, while others sit at the edge of the group.

DAY 3- Finding our flow on the mountain...

The second day on the slopes began with energy still running high across the group. We wrapped up the previous evening with games and time to relax before heading to bed, which meant everyone woke up well-rested and ready for a good breakfast and the day ahead.

Everything started to flow more naturally this morning — ski boots on, helmets and goggles ready, and the familiar routine slowly settling in. While some groups headed down to the slopes by bus, others took the opportunity to warm up and have some fun in the snow, laughing, playing and enjoying the moment under clear blue skies.

On the mountain, instructors were already noticing great progress within their groups.

Confidence grew with every run, and the mountain rhythm continued to settle in.

Group of children prepare to ski in Courchevel. Skis and poles scattered on snow. Child in yellow jacket stands, gesturing. Evergreen trees in background under overcast sky.

Group of kids in ski gear stands on snowy mountain at Courchevel. Brightly colored jackets, skis, and goggles. Sunny day, snowy peaks in the background.

The day continued with a second ski session, followed by snacks and some well-earned rest back at the chalet before dinner.

With energy recharged, it was time to get ready for a special evening — the ice hockey match.

Despite the tiredness, excitement was high. The atmosphere at the rink was fantastic, and everyone enjoyed the experience to the fullest while still making it back to the chalet in good time for a very well-deserved rest.

DAY 4 - Halfway through & fully in sync

Day four marked the halfway point of the trip and the ski sessions. By now, the time spent together really showed — everything flowed naturally, often without needing many words, just shared looks and understanding.

After a good breakfast, we headed straight to the slopes to enjoy beautiful conditions: blue skies, sunshine and great snow. Another solid day of skiing before heading back to the chalet, where games and laughter filled the afternoon — so much fun that I couldn’t miss it, which is why I’m updating you here a day later 😉

After dinner, we headed out for a bowling night. Lots of laughs, great team spirit and really positive energy all around.

Then, straight to bed to rest up. This morning, some of us may have stayed in bed a little longer… let’s say we were waiting for the sun to come out 😄

Three kids pose in ski gear at Courchevel. A child in a yellow jacket kneels with arms raised. Two older kids stand on skis, one in lavender, one in black and white. Sunny day, snowy mountain backdrop.

Two children stand on skis at Courchevel resort. One wears a blue jacket and yellow pants, the other a red jacket and gray pants. Ski lift and snowy mountain in background.

A group of young boys plays a hand game around a table in an indoor room. Some boys are sitting while others are standing. The boys are gesturing with anticipation.

Five people sit around a green table playing a card game. The cards are yellow and the box says

A boy reads a book at a green table while a man and three girls play a card game in a ski lodge. The man sits in a chair and faces the girls across the table. A window behind them shows a snowy landscape.

Day 5 – Progress, support & snowy hopes.

For me, one of the best days of the trip — I finally joined the ski group on the slopes. It was amazing to see how much the group has improved since day one; beginners no more. Beyond their skiing skills, the support they show each other (and me!) has been incredibly heartwarming — “Don’t worry miss, I’ll cover your back and check on you” — couldn’t be lovelier.

Today has been flowing smoothly, allowing for a calmer evening and good rest after dinner. The group is currently out for their second ski session of the day after a relaxed picnic and break. Soon, we’ll be heading out to meet them and enjoy some sledging.

For now, the sun is hiding, but gentle snowflakes are falling — fingers crossed for some fresh powder over the next runs.

A group of four people in ski gear poses for a selfie on a snowy mountain. The group wears helmets and goggles. The background shows snow-covered mountains and other skiers.

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BOROVETS | BWA

HES | COURCHEVEL | SKI

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