was interested to read the letter from Andrew Brown regarding the lack of educational value of a school skiing trip (Free Press December 14).

I have to disagree, travel broadens the mind they say.

Managing a foreign currency, experiencing a different culture, language and the team building experience out of a restricted school environment are all valuable life experiences. 

Skiing makes you risk manage and you have to conquer fear if you are to experience the exhilaration of a downhill run - elements which are becoming rare in our health and safety conscious society.

More than all of this is the memory of snow covered mountains with the sun just rising behind, food for the soul. A form of education which in an ideal world should be available to all regardless of their ability to pay.

Oh, just to add, I have never been a teacher.

Rachel Hill, Marshfield Road, Alcombe.