Southampton University Ski and Snowboard Club is the biggest club in the AU and its infamous Christmas Ski Trip always lives up to this accolade. This year it sold out in just six days, making it the most popular trip in SUSSC history. This is just a little taster of what went on.

On the last day of term, eight coaches with sixteen coach drivers of various levels of fun, left the interchange bound for Val D’Isere in France. A few hours later, after a cheeky bus rave, a bit of sleep and some awful films chosen by the drivers, everyone arrived in the resort. Then, there was checking in to the four star hotels and collecting ski hire, giving just enough time to unpack and grab something to eat before setting off to Saloon dressed in our trip t-shirts. It was clear that this week would be nothing short of intense! So who goes on these trips? Everyone. From freshers to fourth years, pro racers to complete beginners, party heroes to social recluses and everyone in between, the SUSSC caters for everyone. If you have never skied or snowboarded before, learning on a uni trip is not only cheaper, it’s much more fun. Ski-school groups are made up entirely of students, so not only are you able to learn with your friends, it’s also a great opportunity to meet new people.

There are also the evening social activities. Think a lot of room pre-drinking/dancing/games, a LOT of facepaint, aliens, spacemen, clowns, jesters and an absolute nightmare before Christmas. Intrigued? Check out the holiday video at www.sussc.com. As well as the standard nights out, there were also a number of special events during this trip. Tobogganing was fairly extreme – helmets, a sledge with steering breaks of debatable effectiveness and a proper ski run with unfenced drops. And then add the fact that it was dark! Another evening, there was an outdoor freestyle session held jointly with Leeds and Birmingham universities, with the best skiers and boarders performing for the crowds. For the beginner skiers, this event really gives something to aspire to.

For those of you who are wishing you had been part of this trip, luckily for you, there is another trip before next Christmas. This Easter SUSSC are heading to Val Thorens, arguably the best student skiing destination in the world. With Courchevel and Méribel interconnected, you reap the benefits of a massive ski area with runs for all abilities. Add to this a massive underground nightclub and guaranteed sunshine and you have an amazing holiday. With well over two thirds of the available places signed up, get to www.sussc.com to book before we sell out.

The secret to success on a SUSSC holiday? Lots of energy drinks, kindly supplied by Red Bull, and "parlez-vous anglais?" With a steady supply of these,you will have the best holiday of your life. This is simply an unmissable opportunity.