Rugby School Japan’s inaugural ski trip to Shiga Kogen was a tremendous success and a landmark moment for our growing sports and outdoor education programme.
Across five days on the mountain, pupils experienced a full range of conditions – from fresh powder and challenging cold temperatures to beautiful blue-sky skiing days. Pupils were grouped by ability and worked closely with professional instructors to refine technique, build confidence, and prepare for race simulations on the final day.
What stood out most was the progress made by every pupil. Whether navigating deeper snow for the first time, improving parallel turns, or embracing the pressure of simulated race runs, pupils demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and determination. The final race day provided an exciting opportunity for pupils to apply their skills in a more pressurised environment – and they rose to the challenge superbly.
Evenings provided a valuable opportunity for pupils to unwind, strengthen friendships, and enjoy cultural activities together. Highlights included pottery painting, a lively quiz night, karaoke night, and a metal engraving workshop where pupils created personalised necklace plaques. These sessions offered a wonderful balance to the physical demands of the day and contributed to the strong sense of camaraderie that developed across the group.
As this was our first ever RSJ ski trip, I could not be prouder of how our pupils conducted themselves. They supported one another, responded positively to coaching, and represented the school with maturity and integrity throughout.
Trip Awards
We recognised pupils not only for performance, but for effort, character, and contribution to the wider group:
- Best Skier – Makito, for consistently strong technical ability, control across varied terrain, and confident race simulation performance.
- Most Improved Skier – Kevin, for significant progress in confidence and technical consistency throughout the week.
- Best Snowboarder – Riana, for excellent board control, composure, and application of instructor feedback.
- Most Improved Snowboarder – Koyo, for clear development in both confidence and technique across the trip.
- Resilience Award – Rachel, for perseverance in challenging conditions and determination to improve.
- Coachability Award – Yuguen, for consistently listening, applying feedback, and demonstrating an excellent growth mindset.
- Team Player Award – Mika, for encouraging others and contributing positively to group morale on and off the slopes.
- Positive Attitude Award – Isaac, for maintaining enthusiasm and energy throughout the week.
- “Tree Magnet” Award – Arron & Aaron, a light-hearted recognition of their memorable encounters with the scenery – taken in excellent spirit.
A heartfelt thank you to the Canyons Ski School instructors for their professionalism, care, and dedication to our pupils’ development. Every pupil progressed under their guidance.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Ms. Bower, Ms. Nicholls, and Mr. Halcox, who gave up their half-term break to support the trip. Their commitment and pastoral care were instrumental in making this experience such a success.
Most importantly, thank you to our pupils. You should be proud of yourselves – this was a pioneering trip for RSJ, and you set the standard brilliantly for future ski teams and trips to come.
Jordan Nwachukwu
Director of Sport
Head of PE & Sports Science
Rugby School Japan
