Exercise Snowpiercer – RAF Air Cadet Ski Expedition to Pila, Aosta Valley, Italy.
30 December 2022 – 06 January 2023
33 cadets and 9 Cadet Force Adult Volunteer staff undertook an overseas ski expedition to Italy, the first overseas expedition of this magnitude for Trent Wing, and for Derbyshire Sector – following the relaxation of rules in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
An initial meeting was held for parents and cadets to impart information, and for attendees to ask any questions, prior to the extensive planning that started early in 2022. The planning stage was essential to ensure that everything that was required was obtained and in place, to make this a safe and successful venture for all concerned.
The excitement slowly built over the following months as the realisation that the trip was actually going to proceed started to sink in!
As the day of departure gradually drew closer, it wasn’t just the cadets that were extremely excited – the staff team were really looking forward to their experience in the mountains.
For some of the cadets, this would be their first time away from home, their first time abroad – their enthusiasm and eagerness clear for all to see.
Day One
Departure Day! The coach arrived, the kit was loaded and cadets quickly ‘claimed’ the seat that would be there ‘home’ for the next 18 hours. A quick goodbye to parents and we were off on our way to catch the ferry from Dover. Travelling overnight allowed the party of cadets to relax and gain some sleep. The journey saw new friendship groups emerging between the different RAF Air Cadet units, this was great to see so early on, and it bode well for the expedition.
An uneventful crossing of The English Channel saw us entering France and progressing smoothly on towards Italy, and our destination, The Aosta Valley.
The tension was palpable as we climbed up the road towards the Mont Blanc Tunnel, with a covering of snow at the side of the road and the adjacent trees looking like something from a winter catalogue shoot. Emerging from the tunnel into Italy, the snow covered mountains sprung into view. We had almost reached our destination and we eagerly anticipated hitting the slopes to sample the thrill of skiing.
Our hotel was nestled in the mountainside; the superb scenic views would grace us every day for the next week!
With rooms allocated, kit offloaded and stowed away, we enjoyed a sumptuous pasta meal before heading to the ski rental shop to obtain ski boots, skis, helmets and ski poles. We were now truly ready to explore the mountains!
Prior to hitting the slopes in the morning we decided to reconnoitre the local town, taking in the medieval ruins and enjoying the festive spirit – wandering around the Christmas Market and taking in the atmosphere.
Day Two
New Year’s Day – skiing on a mountain! What a way to celebrate!
After an early breakfast (and a good night’s sleep) we boarded the coach and headed into town to collect our ski equipment from the rental shop. After donning our ski boots and collecting our ski’s, a short walk saw us entering the turnstile to the gondola. 18 minutes later, we were exiting onto the lower section of a groomed piste. This was to be our daily meeting area where each instructor would greet their group prior to venturing out and tackling the various runs.
There were five groups in total, all of various abilities. Three groups were complete novices and spent the first day learning new skills and trying to stay upright on the nursery slopes. Another group had a little experience of indoor skiing in the UK, but had never skied on ‘real’ snow. The remaining group had a little more experience, but were still eager to learn and hone their skill set further.
Everyone sincerely enjoyed their first day on the mountain. Whilst other European resorts were experiencing poor snow conditions, luckily, Pila was unaffected and we were able to make the most of the instruction and snow conditions.
An evening of bowling ensued, prior to retiring to the hotel for the evening.
Day Three
We departed the gondola into some low cloud, but that was not going to prevent or diminish any of the Cheshire Cat grins! The ski instructors cheerily greeted us and we were once again heading out onto the mountain to consolidate the skills from yesterday. Some cadets took a while to find their ski legs, but after a couple of runs and some coaching technique from the qualified instructors, cadets were soon ‘snaking’ in lines down the snowy slopes. The camaraderie was evident with group members cheering one another and continually offering support. The weather higher up on the mountain was glorious with clear blue skies; the sun shining brightly onto the white powder below. Another glorious day for all!
The leg muscles were now starting to burn, but the cadets were still able to walk to the Pizzeria where they proceeded to refuel on copious amounts of freshly made pizzas. After the feast, all slept soundly upon returning to the hotel.
Day Four
Some sore legs were still evident but the runs down the mountainside and the fabulous scenery soon saw cadets forget all about their aching muscles. By now the cadets and instructors were really bonding with one another, they all knew their limitations but were eager to push the boundaries in an attempt to improve. The instructors were able to challenge the more accomplished in the groups and task them with new drills, whilst fine tuning the skills of others.
The Snowsports Presentations were due to take place after the day on the slopes where cadets would receive badges and certificates (each member of the group being graded by the qualified ski instructors) – cadets were eager to progress and impress, in order to achieve the best possible qualification for their first experience in the mountains.
Day Five
The last day on the slopes! It had come around all too quickly! The cadets were eager to commence the day’s skiing, but hesitant at the same time, as it was the last day to experience the joys of skiing and no-one knew when, and indeed, if they’d be able to come back again anytime soon! The cadets, already graded with certificates safely packed away, were still challenging themselves and were still seeking to improve the skills they’d been taught and were hungry to learn more. The sun continued to shine for our last day on the mountain.
Many photographs were taken throughout the week, and many long lasting memories were made. The friendship groups are clearly evident and are still going strong upon our return to the UK.
What a thrill, and what an experience! What a great achievement for every single cadet! Their confidence was seen to grow daily. A Ulysses Trust grant meant that the week was kept to a more affordable level for cadets – regardless of their background. Without the support of the Ulysses Trust, this experience would not have been possible for some; we are all extremely grateful and sincerely thankful.
“I had never skied before, so was unsure what to expect. I was nervous at first and fell over a bit, but finally found my balance and now……I love it! I have learnt lots of new skills, made new friends, and I hope I can come back and do it again!” – Cadet Angel Stone.
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust for supporting this expedition. www.rafct.com
