Fun and Action on our Skiing Trip to St. Jakob in East Tyrol

Our ski trip during the first week of the Easter holidays was once again a true highlight for our school community.

With 49 students from Years 5 to 12 and our dedicated team, we spent an intense and memorable week in St. Jakob in Osttirol. A particularly special detail: around 20–25 of the students had already been part of Platanus since kindergarten – a connection that was clearly felt throughout the trip.

In addition to skiing, a varied evening program created many unforgettable moments. Whether it was “Beat the Staff,” where students competed against the team, karaoke, or table tennis – there was plenty of laughter. The two evenings in the local sports hall were also a big hit, even if they resulted in more minor injuries than the slopes themselves.

On the slopes, everyone made impressive progress. Our external ski instructors were once again highly committed and motivating. A special mention goes to Ryan, who, with great ambition, managed to guide complete beginners—who had never stood on skis before—down a black slope by the end of the week, complete with photo proof. With energetic shouts of “Go, go, go!” he pushed his group to achieve remarkable results. More advanced skiers were able to refine their skills with Christian, working on freeride techniques as well as tricks such as 180° and 360° turns.

The conditions could hardly have been better: perfect snow, even some fresh powder, beautiful weather, and ideal conditions for sledding on the very first day. Off the slopes, there were plenty of highlights as well – from popular “shortcut routes” to free skiing in the afternoons and even small self-built jumps.

Of course, some traditions were not to be missed: daily visits to the Spar supermarket just across the street and our traditional group lunch on the mountain hut. Another standout activity was the “Murder Game” organized by Mr. Okine, which provided great entertainment throughout the week.

There were also memorable moments for the team, including the traditional “craft market” on Thursday and relaxed après-ski gatherings at the Knappenstube or on the sunny terrace opposite the Posthof.

All in all, it was a thoroughly successful trip, marked by a strong sense of community, sporting ambition, and countless shared experiences. For us as a team – and certainly for many of the students – this week remains a very special highlight of the school year.