The Swampscott Recreation Department hit the road in recent weeks, leaving Clarke Elementary School and hitting the slopes.

Over 100 Swampscott Middle School students signed up and participated in this season’s rendition of the department’s annual skiing program. For the 18th year, students loaded up two buses and made the relatively short drive Ski Bradford in Haverhill. The six-week program was held on Wednesdays after the school day. Students ended the season with a final trip this week.

Swampscott Recreation Department Program Coordinator Cristina O’Conner Rice said the group of participating students was a mix of first-time skiers and snowboarders and experienced ones. Lessons were offered to students who needed some instruction.

“Everyone was super happy to be there,” said O’Conner Rice.

The six-day long program of skiing or snowboarding allowed students to learn new skills.

“You could see the confidence building every week,” said O’Conner Rice.

Chaperones from the Recreation Department assisted with the travel and rental process. Everything went smoothly, said O’Conner Rice.

“It’s a smaller mountain so it had an awesome feel to it,” she said.