Örebro University gets its first Alps trip – PBC wants to make history

The members of the studentunion Pennybridgecarvers

An idea that began as a conversation between three students has now become reality. In

January, the Alps await students and alumni at Örebro University, when the newly

founded association Pennybridgecarvers organizes the university's first joint Alps trip to

Les Arcs, France. It all began around a year ago. Three students started talking about

skiing and about the fact that there was no ski association at Örebro University.

- We started talking about how there's no ski association at the university and thought:what if we started one? But at that point it was really just an idea," says one of the association's founders.

Today, five people run PBC together. Mutual friends brought them together from different

directions, and once the idea had taken shape, the group began planning more concretely. They

contacted companies and travel organizers to explore the possibility of actually putting together

a ski trip. They noticed early on that there was interest in skiing and après-ski among the

students. Ski and après-ski themes come up during orientation, for instance, and the university

already runs a cross-union ski trip to Sälen.

- We thought, that's fun, but there's no Alps trip. And there should be one.

From student-union section trip to university trip

At first, the plan was to do the trip on a smaller scale. The group considered arranging a section

trip within the student section Sesam, where several of the initiators study. The reason was

simple: as a newly founded association, it can be hard to reach an entire university. But it turned

out that interest was greater than they had expected.

It's gone better than expected, and we're really looking forward to doing this trip with the whole university.

At the same time, the sheer scale of the trip has been one of the biggest challenges. Since PBC

targets students and alumni from the whole university, it's hard to know in advance how many

will actually come along. On Instagram, the association already has around 600 followers, but

the group is aware that not all followers will pack their ski gear and head to France.

The hardest part has been knowing how many will come with us. It's probably easierwhen you're arranging a trip within one section, where you have a clearer picture of the target group. There's no clear framework for us to follow, which can be difficult. The travel company, for example, needs an estimated number of participants to be able to reserve spots.

Despite this, PBC describes the collaboration with the travel organizer Skivenue as smooth.

- The organizers are easy to work with and communication works really well. That's a big advantage. We're in good hands, especially since they've done this type of trip with schools before.

Picture from PBC`s own Instagram

More than just skiing

The trip goes to Les Arcs in the French Alps, but for those who aren't experienced skiers, there

will be plenty else to do. Skivenue offers, among other things, an event wristband available for

an additional 399 kronor. It includes a lunch on the slopes and entry to après-ski, with more

offers expected to be added closer to departure. PBC is also planning several of its own

activities. An ovve (overall) picnic on the slopes is on the schedule.

- The ovve's (overalls) needs to be packed! We're thinking of hanging out on the slopes with music, and maybe we'll build a jump for anyone brave enough. Everyone can join in even if they don't ski. You can take the lift up without ski equipment.

The association is working on more joint activities. One idea is a so-called "cabin-hopping

round," where students get the chance to visit different cabins over the course of an evening

and get to know each other. A scavenger hunt and a sit-down dinner event are also in the

planning stages.

- Not everything is locked in yet, so we haven't promoted it all. But more information is coming soon. There should be something for everyone to do in Les Arcs.

"Affordable, Adventurous, Historic"

When PBC themselves describe the trip in three words, the answer is: Affordable. Adventurous.

Historic. And it's the historic aspect the association keeps coming back to. This will be the first

Alps trip ever arranged for students at Örebro University. For anyone still hesitant about

booking, PBC has a clear message.

- The trip is really affordable, and it's the first and perhaps even the last time a trip like this is made for students. You'll regret it if you don't go.

PBC especially hopes to reach the students who don't usually take part in the university's social

activities. The association believes there are many students who opt out of such settings, while

others take part in almost everything that's organized. With the Alps trip, PBC wants to offer a

chance to try something new, meet new people, and build community. For the association, the

trip is therefore about more than just skiing.

- The ice is broken, we're going to the Alps together! Imagine being part of the first Alps trip ever done at Örebro University. How cool is that? The message is simple: come with us and create memories for life!

Practical information about the trip:

Destination: Les Arcs, France

Travel dates: 22–31 January, depending on travel package

Ticket release: 15 September at 12:00 am

Who can go? All students and alumni at Örebro University.

No membership in Örebro Student Union or Hitract required.

Price options:

● 7,499 kronor: accommodation and lift pass

● 9,499 kronor: round-trip bus

● 12,499 kronor: round-trip flight plus airport transfer

An event wristband is available for an additional 399 kronor. Ski rental is also available as

an add-on/package through the organizer.

At booking, 3,000 kronor is paid, with the remaining amount due 60 days before

departure.

For more information:

Follow @pennybridgecarvers on Instagram

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Writer: Onur Soyar - International editor

Reporter: Linn Andersson

Photografer: Linn Andersson