To think they could ski in Europe?

[Panting]

NC’d as this is outing.

Got a letter from DD’s school with details of the school ski trip.

They’re going to the USA. Cost £1500.

AIBU to think they could just go to Europe for about half the cost so that people could have a chance of affording it? There’s no way we can stump up that much.

State school in London btw.

Yes. That's pretty ridiculous.

That does sound excessive and a bit elitist (even for skiing). Wonderful opportunity maybe look into similar resorts and trips and get a average idea of price and it may be a £2500 trip for £1500. Our school people are outraged at a £30 School trip! Is your child keen to go!

Agree. Ridiculous. Bet one of the teachers has always fancied the US!

Yes! I don't even understand why schools do skiing trips.

How old are they? Drinking rules are stricter in the US which makes it easier if you are taking teenagers

That's pretty cheap for aski trip though.

DS1’s went skiing a few times with his private school, always to Europe, cheap travel by coach, bunkhouse style accommodation. Obviously not cheap, but as cheap as skiing can be.

DS2, state school, Utah, flights via Heathrow and Chicago or San Fransisco (we live in the north), so two days travelling to get there, shared rooms in nice hotels, guides, the lot almost twice the price of DS1’s trips. Go figure.

It wouldn't be much cheaper going to Europe and that would involve hideously long coach journeys and no guarantee of good snow.

It isn't cheap for a school ski trip. Dd is going and it's £800.

I wouldn't be impressed.

Ds went skiing last year for £300 for 4 days . That didnt include flights but fkights to Europe are quite cheap .

that would involve hideously long coach journeys Or a short flight?

Dd is in year 12. Good point about the drinking laws.

She realised that it just wasn’t an option for us. Not the end of the world, we’re far from broke, but I just found it a bit surprising.

Skiing in Europe, coach and shorty hotel, £1100. Much prefer USA.

• shitty

Could someone please tell me why it is necessary for schoolkids to go on a FOREIGN trip?

Depending on where you live there are so many options within the UK to experience many things even Aviemore or the likes for skiing and keep the pound within the country as a whole.

Back to OP. Sorry that is ridiculous. I really feel for families who cannot afford a holiday for themselves not to mind a week of skiing or whatever in the USA. The world is gone mad. Some teacher suggested this I reckon. Should have more sense and empathy regarding the ability of parents to fund it.

If you go, debt. If you don't you are poor. It is just so unnecessary.

And even if 1,500 sounds like good value to the US, it really doesn't end there does it.

I wish the Education Sec or whoever has the power, would outlaw foreign trips and limit them to within the UK. I know I sound like a killjoy, but really!

Once you get there, the USA is cheaper. And teenagers can't drink. Which is a massive advantage when taking sixth formers on a school trip

hideously long coach journeys are half the fun of school ski trips! Thats were all the drama happens and everyone makes friends. Double decker coaches with all the teachers on the bottom level.

I loved my school ski trip and went every year. It was a great experience as an only child of divorced parents to get to go away with other kids.

We went to France every year and Year 10 a & up would get to go to a teacher approved bar. This was only ten years ago.

We are paying just under 1K in Europe for year 6 child (they are flying) and 1.5K for USA for Year 8. Both are at private school (prep and seniors), but I agree there is no need for the USA - I've skiied both and it doesn't make that much difference.

I think saying you can have a ski trip in the UK is a bit odd - yes, there are places that get some snow, but it's not guaranteed like it is in the European resorts. Skiing in Aviemore isn't the same as going to France/Austria and doing it properly.

My 6th form ski trip was to Andorra, 27hrs on the coach and the drinking age is 16. A few years ago but was >£500 if memory serves. Result!
Can imagine teachers being absolutely slated for this these days.

I agree deepest - Scotland wouldn't be my first choice. We got stuck in a blizzard driving back from The Lecht once - horrific experience and not one I would want to repeat. Skiing in Scotland is so variable, really not the place for a school trip.

DS is going skiing in the US with the school next year - similar cost.

Yes the flights are more expensive, but when you are there, accommodation/food - pretty much everything is much cheaper. Everything in European resorts costs a fortune.

So yes, the holiday might be cheaper, but you’ll probably make up the difference in spending money for food/drinks they need to take with them.

Add to that the cheaper resorts in Europe are so because conditions can be so variable and snow conditions can be very poor.

In the US the resorts are much higher and snow conditions are pretty much guaranteed. Ski runs are wider (and thus safer as everyone has more space) and in my experience lift queues far less of an issue than in Europe so you actually get to do more skiing.

School trips should be banned. It is just so unfair for those who cannot afford it for their kids, and the kids who cannot go end up being bullied because they couldn't go. Lose, Lose.

Why are they necessary anyway?

My child's ski trip is £760. Italian Alps. 19 hours on a coach. I don't understand why they don't fly. I could have gone with them.......I don't do coaches !!!!