The aim to the expeditions was to introduce Alpine Ski Touring and pisted skiing to Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV’s) from the ACF, CCF and ATC, further develop those who have previous experience and provide an opportunity for CFAV’s to gain an instructor qualification or revalidate existing qualifications.
This expedition was solely dedicated to the introduction and development of CFAV’s, 37 students and 6 instructors attended, delivering a package of Joint Service Basic Ski Proficiency (Alpine), Advanced Proficiency Alpine, Ski Touring Proficiency awards and Snowsport Scotland Snowlife Awards, Alpine Ski Leader qualifications and 3 year revalidations.
This expedition was predominately dedicated to the introduction and development of Cadets, 37 students and 6 instructors attended delivering a package of Joint Service Basic Ski Proficiency (Alpine), Advanced Proficiency Alpine, Ski Touring Proficiency awards and Snowsport Scotland Snowlife Awards.
This expedition was predominately dedicated to the introduction and development of Cadets, 30 Cadets, 9 CFAV’s and 6 instructors attended delivering a package of Joint Service Basic Ski Proficiency (Alpine), Advanced Proficiency Alpine, Ski Touring Proficiency awards and Snowsport Scotland Snowlife Awards.
All candidates were transported to and from the UK by coach. 3 pickup and drop off points were arranged – Derby Train Station, South Mimms Service Area M25 and Dover Priory Train Station. This best suited the geography of the students and coach routing to Dover.
The expeditions were based at Haus Am Bunnenbach, Sontofen situated in the heart of the Bavarian Alps which accommodates 50 persons and is ideally located with 16 ski resorts and hundreds of touring routes within a 30 minute drive.
Skiing equipment was hired through local companies allowing easy access to repair and exchange services.
All three expeditions were extremely successful and over 60 students were trained at Basic and intermediate Levels and are now ready to move on to leader and Instructor awards next season. The Ski Touring groups added to their log book experience and will now be able to apply for the Ski Tour Leader Award through the Joint Service Ski Scheme. Five Ski Leaders revalidated their Snowsport Scotland Ski Leaders award and are now current. Twelve aspirant Ski Leaders were also assessed for the Snowsport Scotland Ski Leaders Award, six were successful, and six were deferred. They will be given the opportunity to attend a 2 day re-sit next season. The ACF and CCF have eleven new Ski Leaders who will now have the ability to organise and lead expeditions within their own Units. This is in addition to the Ten Leaders qualified in the 2010 season. The success of these courses can also be measured in the fact that we are already receiving applications for next season SKICCAT Exercises.
These expeditions would not have been possible without the generous support of the Ulysses Trust.