Overview
The aim of Ex Snow Cub 7 was to create a challenging and arduous expedition on the mountainous areas covering the German border in Bavaria. The mandatory lectures on weather and winter mountain hazards were put into practice as the ski runs were made even more challenging due to fresh falls of snow overnight every 24 hours and occasional blizzard conditions due to heavy snow fall that could occur at any time. Also, the unexpected rainfall that made the conditions a little more challenging. Cadets needed to put all their training into practice and learn how to work and look after each other as part of a cohesive team.
Introduction
The aim of the exercise was to take Army Cadets to Bavaria for a progressive Adventure Training programme using the medium of alpine skiing. It was planned to the UKCC Snow Sports Snow Life Awards course. This was supported with elements of snow/mountain survival lectures including weather and mountain hazards. All students were assessed in line with the 9 levels available in the Snow Life Awards Scheme and those over the age of 16 the Joint Services Ski Foundation Level 1. A total of 8 instructors and 26 cadets attended.
Sun 08 March
Coach journey and flights from the UK to Germany. Participants were picked up at Shropshire ACF HQ. All participants arrived on time. We traveled overnight to Stansted airport where we took an early morning flight to Memmingen Germany. The flight arrived at 09:35hrs and we collected the 6 x 9-seater cars from Europcar hire which was situated at the airport. All participants were loaded along with personal kit. At 16:00hrs all participants and instructors went in the transport to the ski hire facility. The technicians in the shops fitted out all the students’ kit.
All members of the exercise were then allowed some time to unpack and settle in with briefings. We then had the opening course address by Lt Davison to give the cadets an insight into the following week. CSM Norton briefed the cadets on house rules and expected behaviour. Lt Greenland gave a brief on what to wear and carry when on the slopes. After the long journey and intense day, everybody had an early night.
Mon 09 March
The first day of skiing was at Balderschwang the cadets and CFAVs were assessed and then split into groups depending upon their ability. The more advance going with the lead instructors Rick Greenland and Martin Kenyon. The less experienced going with Dave Smith and Ben Fowle. All the groups progressed well during the day. The beginners were starting to move and the intermediates were getting their ski legs back.
Tue 10 March
Lt Davison and Lt Greenland traveled to the JSMTC at Oberstorf to collect ski passes that had been kindly allocated to us by Les Pond BEM of the Joint Services Alpine Training Centre. The second day’s skiing was again at Balderschwang. All groups continued to progress although the beginners had a more challenging day and the skiers were instructed on how to use a button lift and T bar. Groups were reassessed to allow the stronger skiers to progress further and more attention was put on the lower group to bring them on. During the evening a further lecture from the SF1 course was given on avalanche. The remaining SF1 lectures were covered by discussion dispersed throughout the week.
Wed 11 March
The third day was again at Balderschwang, the slopes were more challenging due to fresh snow and the introduction of the button lift to the novice group. The beginners group tackled a longer blue run today and put in to practice all the skills they had learnt the 2 days before. In the afternoon the weather was a bright sunny day so plenty of sun block was applied. The advance group skied on red runs today and the beginners progressed onto a long gentle blue run. A massive achievement as they had only learnt to ski 24 hours before. Cadets enjoyed an evening at the local swimming pool.
Thu 12 March
The fourth day we skied at Balderschwang as this remained the best resort for good snow. The beginners group covered the blue run and started to tackle red runs. The more advanced group built on their previous skills. In the morning the weather was clear with great visibility at the top. The afternoon brought in clouds and rain, so we had to leave the slopes early.
Fri 13 March
The fifth day we skied at Balderschwang as this remained the best resort for good snow. The beginners group covered the blue run and red runs. The more advanced group built on their previous skills and tackled the black runs.
Sat 14 March
This was the last day of the course and we skied at the Fjellhorn. The cadets completed the final assessment today and had the opportunity to ski some challenging terrain. All of our cadets achieved a level of competence and were awarded the relevant snow sport award.
All the equipment was returned to the hire shop all intact, and ski passes returned to the Alpine Training Centre. On returning to the accommodation we cleaned the dormitories and common areas of the lodge and then packed the vehicles as we had an early start of 03:00 the next morning.
Sun 15 March
After a very early wake up call, we left the comfort of the ski lodge that was our home for the past week and headed for Memmingen airport where we caught our flight home. What an enjoyable week where we learnt new skills and met new people .
Conclusion
The expedition provided Shropshire ACF with a now established annual expedition overseas to Bavaria giving all of our cadets the opportunity to experience and partake in, showing the cadets the scope of varied opportunities available to them in addition to the APC activities that are undertaken nationally.
“A big thank you to all the ACF volunteers for making this trip possible, giving these young people life experiences and an enjoyable time.”
A Parent“What a wonderful experience these guys have had. Thank you to all the adults that allow this to happen.”
A Parent“A wonderful opportunity, thank you!”
A ParentBrilliant pictures glad my son and the others are having a fabulous time.”
A Parent“Lovely photos, looks amazing you lucky lot.”
A Parent
Special thanks must be made to The Ulysses Trust for the fantastic contribution received from them, supporting our expedition annually, and supporting over 200 cadets over the last 7 years.
Additional thanks to Col Thewles of the Shrewsbury and Shropshire Trust for their generous contribution to the expedition, and to ACFA for their grant made for each cadet attending
Without all of the above, the trip would have cost considerably more for each cadet.
