On 22nd March 2026, a group of five students from University Air Squadrons across the country took part in the Royal Air Force Nordic Association’s Nordic Challenge. This is an opportunity led by the RAF Nordic Association with the aim of taking individuals who have little to no experience in Nordic (cross-country) skiing and training them to reach race-level competency. This week-long expedition tested participants both physically and mentally, pushing them to develop new skills in an unfamiliar and demanding environment.
Expedition Overview
The expedition took place in Norway from 22nd March – 29th March, bringing five UAS students from Yorkshire UAS, Oxford UAS, Wales UAS, Manchester and Salford UAS, and Northern Ireland UAS. The primary objective was to develop resilience, teamwork, and physical and mental endurance through Nordic skiing in a challenging winter environment. A secondary aim was to build confidence and competence to a level where participants could compete in a 5km cross-country ski race against other members of the expedition.
We were based out of Bardufoss Air Station, operating at ski sites in Setermoen and Bardufoss.
The Challenge
Although most of the students had experience in alpine skiing, the first day on cross-country skis was a steep learning curve, with new techniques and procedures unique to Nordic skiing required. Despite this, students were enthusiastic in pushing themselves outside their comfort zones, with our instructor commenting,
“It’s a great sign you all aren’t scared of falling over, you’ll learn quicker that way than holding back.”
This was a common theme in the first few days, with falls being frequent. However, as the expedition progressed and we gained more experience on snow, we gradually became more comfortable on skis, with confidence increasing across the group.
The group, who had not known each other beforehand, quickly developed a strong team spirit, supporting one another and celebrating small victories. By midweek, visible progress had been made. Rather than completing relatively static basic drills, we began to venture out into the Norwegian countryside on longer routes as we practised for the end of week race. This did not come without its challenges, with multiple members of the team experiencing equipment issues, including ski clips breaking and flying off down the slopes. However, this did not lower team morale, with Officer Cadet Bullard commenting ‘don’t worry, it’s a lovely walk back’ which could not be more true in the stunning winter landscape of Northern Norway.
The defining moment of the expedition came during the 5km race against other expedition members. Although it was stressed that, as beginners, we were not expected to complete the route at speed and could take it at our own pace, the competitive nature of an inter-UAS expedition resulted in a high-energy effort from all participants. All secured sub-30-minute times, including one student who won the entire race, securing first place with a time of 22 minutes.
A 5km distance was the longest we had completed, making it a real test of both mental and physical resilience, especially as it became an individual challenge rather than a group one.
Key Achievements
The most remarkable outcome was the progression achieved in such a short time. Participants who had never skied, or who had very little experience, were by the end of the week capable of covering significant distances with competence and control.
Notably, two members of the group went even further, entering and completing the 35km Reistadløpet, a prestigious part of the Ski Classics Pro Tour. The fact that the RAF Nordic Association entered them in this race is testament to their skill and confidence on skis, and also to the excellent tuition provided throughout the expedition.
“‘It was a huge challenge and took a lot of determination but I wanted to test my ability and complete the race.”
Officer Cadet Weston, who completed the 35km Reistadløpet
Individual Growth and Impact
The expedition delivered personal development across the group. Participants found the expedition increased confidence, improved mental resilience, and strengthened their belief in their ability to overcome personal boundaries.
Officer Cadet Hall, who had no experience on skis and who initially struggled with control, found the first day a real challenge. As someone with excellent fitness, being limited by technique presented a unique mental challenge. The determination across the group to get up after each fall reflects the spirit of the expedition and their willingness to challenge themselves.
“The hills I can go down now at the start of the week I would have fallen over just looking at them.”
Officer Cadet Hall
Team Cohesion and Leadership
Training together in a demanding environment strengthened relationships across the group. Despite not knowing each other previously, the group quickly developed friendships and engaged with other members of the Nordic Association, many of whom provided insights into life in the Royal Air Force, which was invaluable to students considering a career in the Armed Forces.
We are extremely grateful for the support of the Ulysses Trust. As university students, financial barriers can be difficult to overcome, and this support enabled us to take part in an opportunity that has delivered lasting personal and professional development.
