This report was formulated by senior cadet members of Pate’s Grammar School Combined Cadet Force to provide a snapshot of the expedition from the view of the participants.
Day 1
Beginners Group – Today we started on the green slopes with lots of energy and excitement from the group. We went over some basic skills at the bottom of the slope before half of us moved up the slope to practice our plough turns and stopping. In the afternoon half of us remained on the green slope practicing our skills from the top of the slope and using the T-Bar Lift to get up there. The other half was taken across to a blue slope. There was lots of falling over initially as we got used to the gradient, but we soon got the hang of it by the end of the day. Our Instructor Jo was awesome.
Amelia – Year12
Intermediate Group – Today was the first day of our trip and, although some of the group hadn’t skied in a year, we wanted to get going. After a few warm-up runs to remove the rust, we were ready to go. Rising above the fresh snow line, we were faced with our first Red Run, trial by fire! After that success, we started working on skiing parallel and focusing on ski posture. The afternoon saw us consolidate everything and the confidence in the group was evident as we hit some more red runs. To finish the day, we were able to free ski and demonstrate to our instructor Patsy the progress we had made.
Henry & Indy – Year12
Advanced Group – As our group had a lot of skiing experience, our Instructor Jerry took us to the top of the mountain where we started doing a variety of runs down. We focused on our technique, especially considering the challenging conditions with flat lighting and slushy moguls. After a stop for lunch, we tried our hand at small jumps. Overall, we had a great day and cannot wait for the week ahead.
Patrick – Year 13
Day 2
Beginners Group – After a period of practicing our turns on the green slope, we spent most of the day moving around a few different blue runs – practising everything we had been taught so far on steeper slopes was a brilliant challenge. We were also introduced to skiing backwards which was pretty tough but most of us managed it. Great Day!
Ameila – Year 12
Intermediate Group – Today we spent the morning warming up on blue runs before a challenging but fun afternoon. We took the chair lift to the peak and began skiing the red runs. Some small off-piste jumps (and falls) were really great fun. Following this, we skied down the other side of the mountain, however, a wrong turn meant we were faced with navigating the lower section of our first Black Run. We all made it, and loved it, and we were soon back at the bus. What an exhilarating day!
Henry – Year 12
Day 3
Beginners Group – Lots of progress today with long blue runs all the way down the mountain, allowing us plenty of time and freedom to practice the skills we had been learning over the past couple of days. We also did some fun slalom exercises and some off-piste skiing – this was just awesome. Lastly, we were introduced to our first Red Run – managed with minimal falls.
Advanced Group – We had a great day today; we consolidated the key areas for improvement that we identified yesterday and then later moved onto learning new skills such as carving and parallel skiing. In the afternoon we were able to put into practice all our skills and test out abilities on the black slopes. Although it was challenging, we had an awesome time manoeuvring around icy patches and moguls.
James – Year 13
Day 4
Intermediate Group – Sadly, today got very warm and the snow became very slushy by late morning. However, we were still able to practice our Side Slipping, one leg traversing and parallel turns. We ate lunch in the restaurant at the peak of the mountain where we could enjoy incredible views across the mountain range – a surreal experience. In the afternoon we took on a series of red runs enabling us to really hone all the skills we had learned over the week. We ended the day by taking the cable car down the mountain, taking in some more of the spectacular views on offer from Bavaria.
Henry – Year 12
Summary
The Skiing Expedition was highly successful. All 3 ability groups learnt new skills, practiced old skills and experienced an Adventurous Training Activity like no other. Every evening on return to the hostel, there was a buzz in the air which can only come from the excitement of achieving incredible things. Students and staff were forging new friendships, building on existing ones and working together as teams to support each other. For some, this was the first time they had done anything adventurous and the positive impact on these individuals was especially evident. Teamwork, inclusivity, confidence, friendship building, resilience, personal development, and leadership are just some of the benefits the student have taken from this expedition. As well as a UK Snowlife Award commensurate to their personal ability demonstrated to the Ski Instructors.
The Ulysses Trust has enabled Pate’s Grammar School to offer and experience like no other, to those that may otherwise not be able to do such an activity and learn skills that are not offered in day-to-day life.
THANK YOU, ULYSSES TRUST, FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS EXPEDITION!
