Class or school trip: alternatives to ski trips

Rising costs, dwindling natural snow, high organisational costs and safety issues - ski trips are increasingly becoming a challenge for schools. But there are obvious alternatives: Youth hostels in the Rhineland also offer sporting activities in winter - without having to travel far. Tailor-made programmes with three- or five-day stays ensure this.

Strengthening team spirit through sport - even in winter

The programme „Team development in nature“ at the Gemünd Vogelsang youth hostel offers pupils from year seven upwards the opportunity to strengthen their teamwork skills - bookable all year round for three or five days. In summer, they build a rope bridge over the river to train dexterity, strategic thinking and communication. In winter, these skills are honed on the indoor climbing wall.

There are also challenges outside: „On hikes through the wintry Eifel, the pupils learn how to orientate themselves using a compass and map,“ explains adventure educator Felix Arabin from Transparenz NRW. „The task is usually: Get us back safely from point X. In this way, the children and young people develop cohesion in difficult situations.“

Finally, archery is used to practise concentration, steadfastness and coordination - a valuable experience for body and mind.

A triathlon of a special kind

Triathlon is not just about running, swimming and cycling - as shown by the „Team Triathlon Winter“ at the Duisburg Sportpark youth hostel. The programme is aimed at pupils in years seven to thirteen and begins with a team development circle. Here, problem solving, cooperation and strategic thinking are trained - an opportunity to recognise the strengths of the class and further develop soft skills.

The next day, it's off to the ice. „For many children and young people, it's their first time on the ice,“ reports adventure educator Felix Arabin. „At the beginning, they are still unsure in their skates, but over time they get a feel for the ice. The boys also think it's cool to keep their balance and practise their moves while figure skating.“

The last section leads to the climbing wall - where teamwork takes centre stage. Trust and mutual support are required. „The children and young people can develop their own body awareness over the course of the programme,“ explains Arabin. They gain new experiences without the pressure of competition, gain self-confidence and discover the joy of movement.

Fun, games and team spirit

The „Winter Team Challenge“ at the Duisburg Sportpark youth hostel offers pupils in years five and six a shared adventure in the sports hall. The children support each other on the course and explore their own limits.

In addition to coordination and dexterity exercises, teamwork and communication take centre stage. „The joint activities are fun for everyone involved and the children get to know each other better through balancing and many other disciplines,“ explains adventure educator Felix Arabin. The team development circle complements the programme with exercises on problem solving and cooperation - a playful experience that strengthens team spirit.

Discover healthy nutrition through play

The „Fit Kid Club“ at Neuss-Uedesheim Youth Hostel teaches pupils in years three to six how exercise and healthy eating go hand in hand. Sports outside of football show how important balance and mobility are. „Most boys would prefer to play football all day,“ smiles adventure educator Felix Arabin. „But when they try out other sports, they realise how important balance and agility are for football too.“

Nutrition also plays a major role: in the smoothie workshop, the children discover what is good for them. „It's exciting to see what the children already know about healthy eating and where we can still support them,“ adds Arabin.

The programme combines indoor and outdoor activities, including a team challenge with activity trackers and climbing to strengthen body awareness. With its extensive grounds and its own forest, the youth hostel offers numerous opportunities to let off steam - both indoors and outdoors.

You can find these and many other school trip programmes on www.jh-klassenfahrt.de.