Day 7 So, our last proper blog of the first Austria Ski Trip 2012. We are pleased to report that the higher intermediates had a breakthrough with Walter, the instructor, who can speak English. He was immensely popular amongst the higher intermediates as he led them through lots of off piste and powder with Fred, Matt and Sean making their own routes. One slope turned into a rugby field as the boys tackled each other to end the day. To everyone's surprise, the beginners conquered a black run today, an event never before done on a DOY ski trip. The group is definitely the best beginner group we've ever seen!

Lower intermediates had a bit of a last day drama with lost objects. Alex dropped a pole from a lift therefore a search and rescue mission was launched, and the same thing happened when Lawrence dropped Mr Marsh's glove. RSM lead the advanced group all morning to show off how much he has improved since the first day, and took us on a series of red and black runs with a ten second head start. Eventually we got the better of him, and often had to leave him behind and meet him at the next chairlift as we were bombing the slope to make the most of our last hours.

Everyone was very upset to leave the mountains behind and we had one last stop to take in the scenery and reminisce about our favourite moments. Last night we had the presentation, when everyone received a certificate to commemorate their achievements. Along with the quiz winners, all the main prize winners received a small token: best beginner: Isobel, best lower intermediate: Keiran, best higher intermediate: Joe, best skier: Hugo, most improved: Charley, Endeavour: Bella.

The main purpose of the night was to thank everyone for the trip, especially Sam for being an amazing ski captain and instructor (receiving a Salomon jacket as a thank you), Katie for her entertainment, Mr Marsh for organising the whole trip, RSM for his alpine leading and video skills, Miss Ryder for looking after the lower intermediates and the girls, Matron for always smiling and raising morale, Mr K for his Canadian spirit and skiing techniques, and Mr Lynch who came on the trip as an honorary member of staff with amazing instructing skills. We're all really sad as we're getting on the bus soon, but Austria has not seen the last of us! Dukie pupils signing off for the last time. By Bryony, Charley and Sabana