Discovering the magic of the Italian Alps with an inspection visit to Aprica
As a teacher, the prospect of leading a group of students on a trip abroad can be both exciting and daunting. From coordinating flights and accommodation to managing the logistics of travel and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your students, there are countless details to consider.
One way to ease the planning process is to visit the destination beforehand on an inspection visit. An inspection visit is a trip specifically designed for teachers to explore a potential destination, meet with local partners and suppliers, and assess the facilities and activities on offer.
If you're considering taking your students skiing in Aprica, Italy, an inspection visit is the perfect opportunity to get a first-hand look at the resort and its offerings. From the quality of the ski runs and rental equipment to the safety and comfort of the accommodation, an inspection visit will help you make informed decisions about your trip and give you peace of mind that your students will have the best possible experience.
In December, we took a group of party leaders with us to show them exactly what makes this ski resort the gem that it is. Below, we detail their experience on the inspection visit, and what you too can expect on an inspection visit with Equity.
The itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Aprica
Our teachers were met at London Gatwick by the Equity team prior to the flight, and arrived in Italy at 1:30pm. The group were transferred to our accommodation by Trentino coach, passing through Lake Como and the scenic Italian countryside. They arrived at Hotel Roma — an Equity favourite — where they checked in and had some time to unpack. Then came time for a ski fit and distribution of lift passes, before pre-dinner drinks and dinner at the hotel. A relaxing first day gave everyone the chance to settle in at their own pace and familiarise themselves with the hotel and surrounds.
Day 2 - Skiing and sights in Aprica
The first day on the slopes meant an early start for our teachers, who were treated to breakfast in the hotel before travelling to the resort to inspect Aprica’s nursery ski area. A meet with the ski school staff meant our teachers had plenty of opportunities to ask questions for their school and future trips, while a guided morning around the resort allowed the party leaders to evaluate the slopes. After a fairly active morning, the rest of the day was spent taking advantage of Aprica’s cultural activities, with a visit to the Christmas market and wine tasting with the Equity team at a local bar.
Day 3 - Exploring Passo Tonale
Party leaders had the unique opportunity to compare two ski resorts on our visit to the Italian Alps, with the third day spent discovering what’s on offer at nearby Passo Tonale (about 1 hour from Aprica). A full ski day combined a ski school meet with a lift pass presentation of Tonale, while a visit to Hotel Sciatori offered teachers another accommodation option for any school trips.
Days 4 & 5 - Free time skiing and in-resort, and departure
After a jam packed first few days in Aprica and Passo Tonale, the final two days of the familiarisation trip were a little more low-key, allowing our party leaders to take their time to explore Aprica. On the final evening, our group was treated to a special 4-course evening meal at a restaurant with local specialities, free flowing wine, and limoncello to finish. At around lunchtime of the final day, the group was rounded up and transferred back to the airport ready for departure, with smooth sailing all the way home.
Testimonials from our teachers
“From the moment we arrived at Gatwick, Equity made us feel like part of the team. Everyone on the trip was really nice which made meal/social times great fun. The skiing was brilliant, both in Aprica and Passo Tonale. Equity got the balance just right – we got to ski plenty of the resort as well as getting to meet the local tour operators. I loved Passo so much I’m booking in a 2024 trip there, something I would never have thought about doing if it wasn’t for this IV!”
Jamie, Bay House
“A great trip! The balance between showing us the working of the resort as well as making it feel like a holiday was perfect. The Equity staff were incredible hosts and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. It was great to experience different resorts for ourselves, a definite bonus when it comes to planning the next school trip.”
Jonny, Kingston Academy
“Gill and the team from Equity were organised, friendly and most importantly so enthusiastic about the trip. Every last detail was covered with their meticulous planning; from the moment we stepped on the plane to the sad departure at the end we were looked after exceptionally well. Any queries/concerns were either quickly answered or resolved with satisfaction from them or the UK based team.
I have the utmost confidence my fist school ski trip with Equity will be as fantastic as this trip was. It was brilliant to be able to view the hotel where I'm taking my school.”
Elaine, Yateley School
From our account manager on the trip, to you
“Seeing our resorts first-hand and experiencing what Equity can offer really does instil confidence into party leaders when it comes to taking your pupils skiing. If you are considering running a ski trip over the next couple of years, let us know and we could be arranging an inspection visit for you too!”
Ski inspection visits are an excellent way to test out our resorts in advance of your next school ski trip. To enquire about any IVs available during the ski season, get in touch with our expert advisors on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.
