The temperatures were freezing and the hours on the bus were many, but nary a complaint was heard because Frisch juniors were on their way to Quebec, Canada, for FreezeFest. FreezeFest is the epic grade trip that juniors anticipate all year long and, perhaps, since the start of their entire high school careers. After all, where else can you go dog sledding, snow tubing and tour an ice hotel with your friends and teachers all in the same trip—but a Frisch trip?

Among all the unique and action-packed grade trips, FreezeFest comes as an especially welcome one because junior year is particularly academically rigorous for students, between SATs, applying to colleges and junior electives in addition to their other coursework.

“FreezeFest is a chance for the whole grade to come together during a busy year and enjoy some time away from the classroom,” said Deborah Riskin ’17. “There’s nothing like bonding with your friends over dog sledding and going flying down a mountain of snow,” added Seth Lieberman ’17.

Students enjoyed snow tubing at Valcartier Village Vacances; dog sledding at La Pursuite Kennel, along with snuggling some newborn Malamute Husky puppies; a visit to Hotel de Glace, an architectural marvel complete with ice sculptures and an ice café; and a beautiful Shabbat with divrei Torah, special programming and downtime.

“It was my first time in Canada, and it was amazing because we got to do activities that aren’t run-of-the-mill, everyday things,” said Talya Gellis ‘17. “FreezeFest made for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m so glad I got to share it with my friends.”

“I was really impressed by the enthusiasm of the students,” said Rabbi David Goldfischer ’98, assistant principal. “Thanks to their positive energy, FreezeFest was a very meaningful experience for everyone who attended.”