A decade on the slopes

Ten experiences, 120 students and countless achievements have been made on the slopes in Andorra.

It all started with a National Lead of Healthcare’s vision to ‘give every student equal access to the mountains’. Now it has grown into a flagship National Star experience, one that builds confidence, physical skills and remarkable resilience. March 2026 marked a decade of these adventures, and this year’s students made the very most of it.

This self-funded trip allows students to travel with peers, face the physical demands of accessible skiing and work towards their personal learning goals in a new and challenging environment.

Preparation started long before departure. Olivia Williams, Physiotherapy Deputy Manager, explained: ‘We must consider every student’s needs in an unfamiliar environment. Moving students out of wheelchairs with limited space and kit brings challenges, so we plan and practise ensuring we can support students during the flight. Our preparation focuses on setting expectations, easing anxieties and helping students feel informed.

‘We collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure all needs can be met, and skiing staff gather essential information about medications, communication aids and physical considerations so every student can participate safely.

‘We also practise the physical skills needed to control a sit ski, including head movements, reaching, and clear ways to change direction.’

Once in Andorra, every student works towards a personal goal, and the progress was exceptional. To name a few, Gemma practised money-handling while shopping; Issy brought together staff and students in challenging games of Uno; Ben and Ollie showed impressive self-awareness by recognising their physical limits; and Ruby braved the chairlift and skiing tandem with her instructor. Billy even turned his descent down the mountain into a game of hide and seek.

These achievements represent only a fraction of the many ‘wow’ moments. Students navigated airports, communicated in new situations and confidently handled every challenge.

Trip leader Andrew Woolway, Personalised Learning Coordinator Manager, said: ‘This trip continues to break down barriers for students and families who once thought it wasn’t possible. Some had never flown, most had never skied, and many doubted it could happen, but everyone’s hard work made it a reality. It has been a pleasure working with such a fantastic team and an even greater pleasure watching students learn to ski and smash their outcomes.’