As Bavaria plunged into a deep freeze with daytime temperatures plummeting as low as -28 degrees Celsius and snow all-around, this was going to be a testing expedition for both man and machine.
The aim of the expeditions was to introduce Alpine Ski Touring and pisted skiing to Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV’s) from the ACF and CCF, further develop those who have previous experience and provide an opportunity for CFAV’s to gain an instructor qualification or revalidate existing qualifications.
BSKI1 03-11 Feb 12
This expedition was dedicated to the introduction and development of CFAV’s. 32 students attended with 6 instructors delivering a package of Joint Service Ski Foundation level 1(SF1) incorporating pisted and touring ski elements.
For our more advanced adult students we offered an Intermediate Ski Award (ISC) supported by Snowsport Scotland aimed at developing skiers in readiness for the Alpine Ski Leader Award (ASL). We conducted a SSS ASL and 3 yearly revalidation course enabling CFAV’s to lead groups of Cadets on pisted ski areas all over the world.
We successfully qualified 10 Alpine Ski Leaders and revalidated 4 existing instructors whilst 12 CFAV’s completed the SF1 award with 6 completing the ISC.
BSKI2 11-18 Feb 12
This expedition was predominately dedicated to the introduction and development of Cadets aged 16+. 47 students and 7 instructors attended delivering a package of Joint Service Ski Foundation Level 1 and an Intermediate Ski Award supported by Snowsport Scotland. 41 Cadets successfully gained the SF1 award and 7 completing the ISC.
The expeditions were based at Haus Am Bunnenbach, Sontofen, situated in the heart of the Bavarian Alps which is ideally located with 16 ski resorts and hundreds of touring routes within a 30 minute drive.
Skiing equipment was hired through a local company allowing easy access to repair and exchange services.
Despite the freezing temperatures 92 Cadet Adult Volunteers and Cadets took part in the expeditions many of which are candidates who we have developed through the scheme to achieve a Ski Instructors award and will now go on to lead similar expeditions for Cadets in their own ACF and CCF units.
The Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training would like to sincerely thank the Ulysses Trust for their generous support.