Trips Archive - IBT Travel

Unforgettable skiing amongst the breathtaking Canadian Rockies

British Columbia is the backdrop to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural sights. So, for a truly unforgettable school ski trip, why not head to Panorama?

With over 4,200 vertical feet of terrain, 130 trails, and picture-perfect views, Panorama certainly lives up to its name. The resort is just two hours from the legendary Banff National Park, set deep amongst Canada’s Kootenay Rockies.

As one of North America’s best resorts, your group will enjoy endless slopes, hot spring pools, welcoming hosts, and, perhaps best of all, uncrowded lifts!

Good for

Uncrowded Slopes
Stunning Scenery
Ski-in, Ski-out Accommodation
Dry Powder Snow (“Champagne Powder”)

Resort facts

Resort Height: 2540 m
No. of Lifts: 10
No. of Trails: 135
Easy Runs: 20
Medium Runs: 47
Difficult Runs: 68
Skiable Area: 2975 acres
Longest Run: 6.5 km
Snow Making: 40% coverage
Name of Lift Pass Required: Panorama Mountain Lift Pass

Aprés ski

Tubing
Ice Skating
Hot Pools
Bowling
Quiz Nights

A safe, welcoming environment for skiers

Heading to Canada is a truly unique experience. Putting skiing to one side for a moment, we often find it’s the first time travelling outside of Europe for many students – an experience that will stay with them forever, stimulate their independence, and boost confidence.

As for the resort, Panorama is an exceptional destination for schools. It’s a safe, welcoming environment for skiers of all levels – although it’s particularly well set for intermediates and beyond.

The slopes are uncrowded too, meaning less queueing at the lifts – a big plus for groups looking to maximise their time on the mountain.

Diverse Terrain

Panorama’s skiable terrain spans 2,975 acres, so there’s truly something for everyone. Beginners can start at the Discovery Zone, a dedicated learning area with excellent ski schools, a slow zone, and magic carpets to build confidence. Intermediate skiers can explore the expansive blue and single-black runs that wind through tree-lined trails and open bowls.

For advanced skiers, there are challenging single and double-black runs heading down either side of the mountain from the summit. If you exhaust all of the options on the front side of the mountain, then your group can head over the top for the famed Taynton Bowl – home to incredible off-piste opportunities and steep, double-black descents.

Top-Quality Snow

Panorama’s location and dry climate create some of the best snow conditions in Canada. The light, dry powder – known as “Champagne Powder” – is ideal for skiing and easier to navigate than the heavier snow you may be familiar with in Europe.

A robust snowmaking system ensures reliable coverage throughout the season, making Panorama a dependable choice for school trips.

Ski-In, Ski-Out

One of the best things about Panorama is the convenient location of the resort.

It’s set on the mountain, right next to the lifts, which means you can choose from a variety of ski-in, ski-out accommodation options. By staying slopeside, students can easily access the lifts each morning and then return to their lodging in the afternoon without the need for lengthy transfers or shuttle buses.

This setup not only maximises time on the slopes (giving you better value for money) but also simplifies logistics for teachers and group leaders.

Accommodation

Hotel Goldener Ochs

Gasthof Pass Lueg

Hotel Alte Post & Schutzenhof

Keep Your Group Entertained

Undoubtedly, you’ll want to keep your group entertained in the evenings.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options to do so at Panorama – from the resort’s tubing park to the outdoor ice rink. Or, for something more relaxing, head to the slope-side hot pools. They’re the largest in Northern America and your group can watch as the final skiers of the day work their way down the mountain.

For later on, we can organise quiz nights, movies, and more.

From Planning to Departure

Organising your trip

Detailed Package Information

FAQs

Can your school conquer the Beast of the East?

Skiing in America is, potentially, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some of your students. And there’s nowhere quite like Killington to make the most of that opportunity.

Set in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Killington Ski Resort is renowned as the largest ski area in the Eastern United States. With over 1,500 acres of skiable terrain, 155 trails, and 6 peaks, it’s no surprise that Killington has earned the nickname “The Beast of the East”.

Killington is great for intermediates and advanced skiers, but there’s also plenty for beginners to get stuck into – all within a picturesque New England setting.

Good for

Large Ski Area
Reliable Snowmaking
Suits All Abilities

Resort facts

Resort Height: 1292 m
No. of Lifts: 21
No. of Trails: 155
Easy Runs: 26
Medium Runs: 62
Difficult Runs: 67
Skiable Area: 1509 acres
Longest Run: 10 km
Snow Making: 80% coverage
Name of Lift Pass Required: Killington Lift Pass

Aprés ski

Tubing
Ice Skating
Indoor Climbing and Arcade Games
Bowling
Movie Nights

Exceptional skiing, top-rated ski schools

Killington is a great choice for schools, and we find our groups love their experience in the US.

The resort combines exceptional skiing with a safe and supportive environment. There are extensive learning areas and top-rated ski schools (with native English-speaking instructors), while the varied terrain allows intermediate and advanced skiers to progress and challenge themselves.

Despite its size, Killington’s layout is easy to navigate, and the resort offers plenty of group-friendly facilities, from spacious base lodges to dining areas that cater to large parties.

For Beginners

Beginners can start on the gentle slopes of Snowshed and Ramshead, which feature wide trails and dedicated learning areas. The resort’s world-class ski schools and friendly instructors make it easy for first-timers to gain confidence quickly.

When ready, you can start making your way further up the mountain. There are plenty of green and blue runs connecting the entire resort, including a 10km run from the very top of Killington Peak to Skyeship base – start along Bear Trax, then take Snowshed Crossover, peel off onto Great Eastern and cruise down to the bottom.

For Experienced Skiers

Intermediate skiers will love the long, rolling blue runs that traverse the mountain, particularly on Killington Peak and Bear Mountain. For the advanced and adventurous, Killington delivers with its black diamonds, glades, and mogul runs, including the infamous Outer Limits—the steepest mogul trail in the East.

Keep in mind that America has a different grading system to Europe, and it doesn’t quite line up perfectly: some blues and single diamond blacks will correspond to reds in Europe, while also overlapping with European blacks. America’s double diamond blacks are generally ungroomed pistes with highly advanced technical challenges (steep pitches, moguls, chutes, and more).

World class Snow

One of the standout features of skiing in the USA, and particularly at Killington, is the consistency and quality of the snow. For your students, this can mean skiing in deep, fresh powder each day. Plus, the drier snow typical of North America is softer and lighter, making skiing easier and more enjoyable for beginners and intermediates.

Accommodation

Hotel Goldener Ochs

Gasthof Pass Lueg

Hotel Alte Post & Schutzenhof

Keep Your Group Entertained

Most groups either stay in Killington or the nearby city of Rutland. Both are well suited to schools and offer a huge range of après-ski activities to students entertained in the evenings.

Enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, or even a 4,800-foot-long alpine roller coaster ride for a fun-filled afternoon. Or if the weather isn’t great, you can head to Killington Adventure Center for indoor activities like climbing wall and arcade games.

For something more low-key, we can arrange organised bowling nights, movie screenings, or quiz competitions.

From Planning to Departure

Organising your trip

Detailed Package Information

FAQs

The largest ski resort in the Pyrenees

Vallnord covers two of Andorra’s oldest ski areas, Arinsal and Pal. The two were connected by a cable car in the early 2000s, opening up 63km of excellent Pyrenean slopes.

These days, the resort is more commonly known as Arinsal-Pal and has become part of Grandvalira Resorts Andorra, along with the famed Grandvalira, Andorra’s largest resort, and Ordino-Arcalis, a freeriding hotspot. The merger means it’s now possible to ski more than 300km of slopes across the three resorts under a single pass – ideal if your school group wants to try all that Andorra can offer.

Good for

Uncrowded slopes
Family-friendly atmosphere
Beginners

Resort facts

Resort Height: 2560 m
No. of Lifts: 45
No. of Trails: 42
Easy Runs: 22
Medium Runs: 16
Difficult Runs: 4
Skiable Area: 63 km
Longest Run: 6 km
Snow Making: 60% coverage
Lift Pass: Sierra Nord Pass

Aprés ski

Ice Skating
Sledging
Snowshoe hikes
Bowling
Movie Nights

A great option for school groups

Vallnord covers two of Andorra’s oldest ski areas, Arinsal and Pal. The two were connected by a cable car in the early 2000s, opening up 63km of excellent Pyrenean slopes.

Pal–Arinsal

Pal-Arinsal is best suited to groups of beginners and intermediates. The nursery slopes at Arinsal are wide and forgiving, making it an excellent place for first-timers to build confidence.

From there, your students can progress onto the longer blue and red runs that wind through the tree-lined slopes of Pal. There are fewer black runs than in other resorts, so you may want to look elsewhere if you have an advanced group.

For Experienced Skiers

For more experienced skiers, Ordino-Arcalís is a 30-minute drive from Arinsal. The area offers much more challenging terrain and exceptional snow conditions, thanks to its high altitude and north-facing slopes. Known as Andorra’s snowiest resort, you’ll find steep red and black runs, along with opportunities for instructor-led off-piste skiing.

Ordino-Arcalís is a unique, technical challenge suited to the best skiers. It’s not appropriate for most schools, but if you have a ski club or small, experienced group, then it’s worth considering.

Accommodation

Hotel Goldener Ochs

Gasthof Pass Lueg

Hotel Alte Post & Schutzenhof

Keep Your Group Entertained

At Vallnord, the fun doesn’t end when the skiing stops. Regardless of whether you stay in La Massana or Arinsal, there’s a range of après-ski activities designed for school groups. Your students can take a splash at the local swimming pool, enjoy tasty pizzas, compete at bowling, and more.

We can also organise visits for tax-free shopping or a trip to the famous Caldea thermal spa, giving students a taste of Andorran culture.

From Planning to Departure

Organising your trip

Detailed Package Information

FAQs

Sunshine, snow, and spectacular views in Europe’s southernmost resort

Sierra Nevada is one of the most unique ski resorts in Europe.

Its location in southern Spain means year-round sunshine and generally clear conditions throughout the day. Yet, owing to a base elevation of 2,100m, snow is almost a certainty in the Sierra Nevada, with the season typically running from late November to May.

If you’re after a ski resort off the beaten track, with few queues and modern facilities, then Sierra Nevada is ideal.

Good for

High-altitude skiing
Long season
Modern facilities
Mediterranean climate with sunny days

Resort facts

Resort Height: 3300 m
No. of Lifts: 23
No. of Trails: 134
Easy Runs: 70
Medium Runs: 53
Difficult Runs: 7
Skiable Area: 112.5 km
Longest Run: 6 km
Snow Making: 34% coverage
Name of Lift Pass Required: Sierra Nevada Pass

Aprés ski

Ice Skating
Tubing
Bowling
Movie Nights

Excellent Snow Conditions

Sierra Nevada boasts over 100 kilometres of skiable terrain, catering to all skill levels. The resort’s state-of-the-art lift system ensures quick and easy access to a variety of runs, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging trails for advanced skiers.

The high altitude means excellent snow conditions can be expected throughout the season, although there is an arsenal of 390 snow cannons to supplement the slopes, should they be needed in the Andalusian sunshine.

For Beginner Skiers

Borreguiles serves as the main hub for skiers at Sierra Nevada. At the centre is a ski bowl with wide, gentle slopes that are perfect for those new to the sport, with several magic carpets and easy chairlifts.

As confidence builds, skiers can progress to longer blue runs that offer stunning panoramic views and, at the end of the day, ski all of the way back down to Pradollano.

For Experienced Skiers

For more experienced skiers, there’s a huge range of blues, reds and blacks starting from the Veleta Peak and circling the entire resort. There are so many options that your group can spend the entire week trying out different descent paths from Veleta, one of Spain’s highest peaks at 3,398m.

Regardless of which route you choose, expect sweeping vistas and well-groomed pistes the whole way.

Under The Radar

Spain flies under the radar as a ski destination. But that’s what makes it a brilliant choice for school groups. Compared to the French Alps, which are busy every day of the season, resorts like Sierra Nevada are much quieter – there are fewer tourists and locals only tend to visit on the weekend. For you, that means more time skiing and less time queuing.

Plus, a school ski trip to Sierra Nevada is not just about winter sports. You can also take the opportunity to experience the Andalusian culture. Add on a visit to Granada to see the Alhambra Palace, experience a flamenco show, and sample authentic local tapas.

Accommodation

Hotel Goldener Ochs

Gasthof Pass Lueg

Hotel Alte Post & Schutzenhof

Keep Your Group Entertained

Beyond the slopes, Sierra Nevada has a wealth of activities tailored for school groups. The Mirlo Blanco recreation area features attractions such as ice skating, tobogganing, and the thrilling Russian Sleigh ride.

Evening options include bowling, discos, film nights, night skiing, and even visits to the nearby historic city of Granada.

From Planning to Departure

Organising your trip

Detailed Package Information

FAQs

Experience the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees

Landlocked Andorra, set in the heart of the Eastern Pyrenees, is a mountainous micro-state known for its brilliant ski resorts (and tax-free shopping!).

Grandvalira is one of the country’s best resorts – covering a huge 215km of interconnected terrain to make it the largest in the Pyrenees.

Good for

Large Ski Area
Reliable Snow Conditions
Mixed Abilities

Resort facts

Resort Height: 2640 m
No. of Lifts: 76
No. of Trails: 140
Easy Runs: 66
Medium Runs: 52
Difficult Runs: 22
Skiable Area: 215 km
Longest Run: 8 km
Snow Making: 66% coverage
Name of Lift Pass Required: Grandvalira Ski Pass

Aprés ski

Ice Skating
Bowling
Tubing
Thermal Spa
Evening Quiz

Excellent conditions throughout the season

Grandvalira offers an unparalleled skiing experience. The resort’s snowmaking system means excellent conditions throughout the season, and the efficient lift network provides quick access to every corner of the resort.

The resort itself contains several “sectors” – Canillo, El Tarter, Encamp, Grau Roig, Pas de la Casa, Peretol, and Soldeu. Each is complete with a range of food and drink facilities, beginner areas, and snowparks.

For Beginner Skiers

Soldeu and El Tarter are among the most popular sectors of Grandvalira for beginners and intermediates. From tree-lined home runs that snake their way down to trickier sections at higher altitudes, it’s ideal for those who are building confidence and learning new skills.

That said, for those ready to take the next step and challenge themselves further, there’s a black run, Aliga, which was used for the World Cup in 2016.

For Experienced Skiers

If you have more experienced skiers in your school group, then there’s plenty of more challenging terrain around Pas de la Casa. This sector is set at a higher altitude, well above the tree line.

As a result, there are snow-sure conditions, with the sector well-known for thrilling red and black runs, as well as off-piste options. The next sector along, Grau Roig, is home to some of the resort’s best red runs, including the stunning Montmalus.

Under The Radar

Grandvalira’s diverse terrain is why we recommend it for schools. We’re confident that everyone in your group will have a fantastic experience here. Beginners can develop their skills in the safe and welcoming nursery slopes, while intermediates enjoy the long, flowing reds that link the sectors.

Advanced skiers will relish the technical challenges and off-piste possibilities that make Grandvalira a favourite with locals and pros alike (Granvalira is often used for professional racing events).

Accommodation

Hotel Goldener Ochs

Gasthof Pass Lueg

Hotel Alte Post & Schutzenhof

Keep Your Group Entertained

Grandvalira excels in offering exciting après-ski activities designed specifically for younger groups. School groups can enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing excursions, all set against the stunning Pyrenean backdrop. For something more relaxing, we can organise bowling, quiz nights, or even a visit to a thermal spa.

If you want to take a break from the slopes, we can arrange for your group to visit the charming towns nearby and learn more about life in Andorra.

From Planning to Departure

Organising your trip

Detailed Package Information

FAQs

A hidden gem in the Pyrenees

As the name suggests, Alp2500 sits high in the stunning Pyrenees mountains of northern Spain.

With over 140km of varied slopes, modern infrastructure, and breathtaking scenery, this resort is an exciting alternative to the Alps for school groups. Students and teachers will enjoy expertly prepared pistes and friendly Spanish hospitality – with a side of sunshine and guaranteed snow. It’s no wonder so many schools return year after year.

Good for

Large Interconnected Ski Area
Reliable Snow Conditions
Mixed Abilities

Resort facts

Resort Height: 2535 m
No. of Lifts: 34
No. of Trails: 116
Easy Runs: 61
Medium Runs: 39
Difficult Runs: 16
Skiable Area: 141 km
Longest Run: 7 km
Snow Making: 50% coverage
Lift Pass: La Molina – Masella Ski Pass

Aprés ski

Night Skiing
Tubing and Sledging
Ice Skating
Bowling

An unforgettable experience

Alp2500 connects two popular ski areas: La Molina and Masella.

The result? One of the largest and most dynamic ski regions in Spain. Slopes range from 1600m to over 2500m, offering something for everyone. There are wide, gentle runs for beginners or challenging blacks for advanced skiers, which makes Alp2500 ideal for schools with a mix of abilities.

One ski pass connects the entire skiable domain, so whether you’re exploring tree-lined pistes, basking in the sunshine on open slopes, or practising turns in the dedicated learning zones, Alp2500 promises an unforgettable experience.

La Molina

La Molina is Spain’s oldest ski resort, opening in 1943. Since then, generations of skiers have returned year after year. Its extensive beginners’ area is designed to ease first-timers into skiing and encourage progression. Elsewhere, separate snowpark and boardercross zones pull in the thrill-seekers, while there are plenty of expansive blue and red runs crisscrossing the resort for intermediates.

Masella

Known for its forested slopes, Masella offers a slightly more challenging terrain – with a higher volume of reds and blacks for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Regardless of whether you choose to ski down or not, it’s worth taking the gondola to the summit of La Tosa, where groups can take in panoramic views of the Pyrenees.

Perfect for All Abilities

The main reason our school groups love Alp2500 is the variety of runs. It’s a truly fantastic choice for all skill levels. Beginners will thrive in La Molina’s safe and supportive learning zones, while intermediates can enjoy the long, flowing reds and blues that connect the two ski areas. Advanced skiers will appreciate the thrilling black runs (give El Tub a shot if you dare) and off-piste opportunities, along with the chance to ski under the stars.