A group from Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force travelled to Bavaria for a week-long alpine skiing foundation course. The expedition brought together a mixed ability team, with additional participants joining from other counties including Gloucestershire and Scotland, creating a diverse and supportive group environment.
The aim of the week’s training was to develop skiing abilities, whilst working towards recognised Snowlife awards, ranging from Level 1 through to Level 9. For many, this was their first experience on skis, and the early stages proved both challenging and rewarding.
The week followed a clear progression, with each day building on from the last and pushing the group further, both technically and mentally.
Day one began on the nursery slopes, where students were introduced to the fundamentals of skiing, including side stepping, snowplough braking and basic turning. By the end of the day, many had already progressed to simple slalom runs, marking a strong start.
Day two saw the group take to the mountains for the first time. After developing their core skills further, participants used their first ski lifts, the magic carpet, before travelling by gondola higher onto the slopes. Some members pushed themselves to complete a full blue run from top to bottom. Despite a challenging camber and a number of falls, everyone made it down safely, making it a significant milestone for the group.
By day three, confidence was clearly growing. A new location introduced the use of a T-bar lift, and the focus shifted towards refining technique. Runs were broken into smaller sections to improve control, with snowplough turns beginning to develop into parallel skiing. Video analysis sessions supported learning in the evenings, and for the first time, the group began to look and feel like confident skiers.
Day four combined stunning scenery with one of the toughest challenges of the week. Starting from the Panorama Café, participants faced a red run entry point which tested both their skill and confidence. Using techniques such as side slipping and controlled movements, the group successfully navigated the initial section before continuing onto blue runs. Heavy, slushy snow conditions added to the physical demands, making this a true test of both ability and perseverance.
On day five, participants encountered some challenging conditions with warm weather creating slush on the runs, requiring them to quickly adapt their technique. The group progressed onto higher and busier slopes, where steeper gradients and increased traffic added further challenge. Fatigue was beginning to take its toll, but determination remained high, and the group continued to push themselves to improve.
The final day brought everything together. Returning to the mountain with renewed confidence, participants overcame challenges that had previously tested them. Some progressed onto more demanding red runs, while others consolidated their skills on blue slopes. What had started as a group of individuals had become a strong, supportive team, finishing the week with a real sense of achievement.
Throughout the expedition, the determination shown by all participants was a defining feature. Encouragement and support from others played a vital role in helping individuals overcome fear and frustration, creating a strong sense of teamwork and shared success.
The impact of the week has been significant. Participants returned more confident, more resilient and better equipped to take on new challenges. Importantly, the skills gained will allow them to support and supervise cadets in future snowsports activities, extending the value of the expedition well beyond this experience.
One participant described the emotional journey: “What a week. I have never felt such a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute I was terrified and frozen to the spot so that I didn’t fall, and the next I was elated because I had gone for it and managed to face my fears head on, and even better, not fallen over. I am definitely not a natural skier but I achieved far more than I expected to and am looking forward to using my skills to support cadets in the future.” Sgt L, Stone detachment
Another reflected on a defining moment of achievement:
“After a week’s worth of aches, pains and falls, I made it. I completed that blue run from top to bottom. I felt a fire had lit inside of me, And I was determined to beat it this time around, And after many attempts I did. I beat the mountain, and I will never forget the feeling of accomplishment and pride I felt, as I came down to the bottom of the piste.”
Sgt B, Hednesford detachment
Summing up the experience more simply, one participant said:
“We flew out, we went up, we came down, we survived.”
2LT P
Overall, the expedition was a hugely rewarding experience, developing not only skiing ability but also resilience, teamwork and confidence across the group. It demonstrated clearly how adventurous training can push individuals beyond their perceived limits, leaving them better prepared for future challenges.
A quote from one of the instructing staff:
“EXallgauski 26 to Bavaria proved to be an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience for all involved. I had the pleasure of instructing a group of staff Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and some other CFAVS from other counties, each bringing a different level of skiing ability, from developing intermediates to those still building confidence on the slopes. Despite this variation, every individual demonstrated clear progress over the course of the week, which was a testament to their resilience and willingness to learn.
“I was genuinely impressed by the group’s commitment and determination; they consistently pushed themselves outside their comfort zones and supported one another throughout. It was equally encouraging to see that all the other groups across the course achieved their own successes, with everyone reaching a level of skiing they could feel proud of most importantly, doing so with smiles on their faces.
“The trip’s success was not solely down to those on the slopes. The dedication and hard work of the support staff were nothing short of exceptional. Their behind-the-scenes efforts ensured that everything ran smoothly and without their commitment, the trip simply would not have been possible.”
Overall, the week highlighted not only the development of skiing skills but also teamwork, perseverance and a shared sense of achievement that made the experience truly special.
These expeditions and courses would not be possible without the support of the Ulysses Trust and we are truly grateful for the support that the trust offers to our cadets and dedicated adult volunteers to allow these events to take place and develop individuals.
