Ex FINN SKI CADET EXIGENT
Val Thorens, France
19 – 26 Mar 22
26 OCdts, 4 staff and 5 instructors conducted an overseas ski Exped following easing of COVID restrictions. I was part of the planning over a number of months and with all overseas exercises cancelled over the past few years, it was a relief to finally be able to conduct the Adventure Training we all craved.
The full range of emotions on day one were evident from excitement through to fear to the awe of the surroundings and comments of “we’ll not be skiing ‘THAT’ looking up at the mountains around the resort. Like a gaggle of newborn deer, we were all split into our different groups and set off on a new adventure.
Day One
Skiing is easy. All you have to do, is stand on the hill, and as long as you stay standing, you will ski down the hill. On their very first run, it was remarked to one of the group “wow mate, you were gliding down there like a pro”. So all was well.
Except for the fact that whilst skiing was easy, slowing down and stopping was not! Whilst gracefully “gliding” down the slope and, as the instructors emphasised the need for control, the majority were desperately trying – but to absolutely no avail. Frustration followed the initial apprehension as the groups tried multiple times to control their speed but with further coaching, most had mastered the snowplough and were ripping down the baby slopes like “Red Bull” skiers. Initial nerves seemingly conquered.
Day Two
The Domino effect. Our second day of skiing was drastically different to our first. The main difference being we were actually on the snow rather than lying in it. We took a step up and got a chair lift for the first time up to a green slope which led onto a blue. During one of our runs down this slope, we learnt about the dominos effect….the hard way! Whilst trying to stop in a line, we witnessed one collide which led to four people lying face up in the snow. The best part was watching each one attempt to stand up which as expected was hilarious. As we moved further down, we began to learn about parallel turns which were to lessen the strain of snowploughs – an amazing aspect as legs were on fire! You could see the confidence increasing with everyone as we all became “experts” telling each other what they were doing wrong.
Day Three
Out of comfort zone. The instructors had told us about the aims of AT and pushing us out of our comfort zone was one element. Whilst initially we thought “it’ll not be too uncomfortable”, we were soon to realise that a blue slope appeared a huge challenge. The group struggled with multiple falls as the snake slowly crept down the mountain all with burning legs. Re-emphasising technique and what we’d been taught the previous two days, and with a realisation that skiing is more mental than physical (facing fear, taking on challenging slopes, putting ourselves out of our comfort zone) said blue slope was tackled again. Apart from the odd tumble, we all successfully completed the challenge to much joy and “high fives” at the bottom.
Day Four
Aches and pains. The legs are feeling sore but the runs are worth every bit of it. Not realising how much physical exercise is required, we are now all experts….at getting up from the snow! We can all identify what we need to do and just hope the body and mind respond. With nicknames flowing, from Rocket to Mr Tumble, our confidence increasing with every challenging slope and looking at the nursery slopes now with laughter at how fearful we were only three days previous, we were introduced to leading the group instead of “follow the leader”. Again trepidation set in but actually it was much easier to ski as our minds were totally focused on controlling the group, planning a route, stopping short of the lifts. Without thinking our technique improved and we snaked down the blues and reds like the experts we were!
Day Five
Its all clicked. All the skills we had learnt during the week, made what we thought was a hard blue feel like a little gentle green. Undaunted and confident, we were ready to conquer anything…..until we heard “black”. Everyone encountered difficulty on this run, the steep slopes were surrounded by edges which appeared to taper off at an almost vertical gradient. The build-up of thick snow coupled with icy patches made turning seem futile. It seemed impossible and never-ending, but despite multiple falls, we all made it. With continual encouragement from our instructor and other teammates, we all safely reached the bottom of the route. Every skill we had learnt had been put to the test as well as our mental aptitude. The reward which came with completing a task which seemed inconceivable was immense. We were challenged to step outside of our comfort zone and trusted our instructor to make the right decision and it paid off. The rush of adrenaline gave us all the confidence to accept any challenge that Army Adventure Training will present us with in the future. Ski Foundation 1 (SF1) passed!
It is clear to see not only the personal progress but the team progress, everyone coming together and working for each other and facing fears. It is evident throughout that the confidence levels of the cadets grew as they challenged themselves and put themselves out of their comfort zone, some going from not wanting to leave green slopes, to being able to conquer tricky blue and red slopes by the end of the week.
Each and every person put 100% effort into each day and subsequently experienced that amazing feeling of accomplishment at the end of the week. Some even not wanting to leave! The team bond that has been created is next to none and will result in friendships for a lifetime. I, as well as the other officer cadets, are looking forward to taking on the next challenge/training we face.
Without the support of the Ulysses Trust, this experience would not have been possible and we are all extremely grateful.
OCdt Leah Robinson
