The aim of the Exercise was to take Army Cadets from Shropshire to Bavaria for a progressive Adventure Training programme using the medium of Alpine Skiing. It was planned to the UKCC Snow Sports Snow Life Awards Course as the basis for the weeks training. This was supported with elements of snow/mountain survival lectures including weather and mountain hazards.
All students were assessed in line with the 9 Levels available in the Snow Life Awards Scheme and for those over the age of 16 the Joint Services Ski Foundation Level 1.
The Exercise attendance was 5 Adults (3 Instructors, 2 Welfare) and 24 Cadet Students.
A civilian coach was hired for travel to and from the Airport. Four self-drive minibuses were ready then used to ferry personnel around for the week.
Accommodation was at Haus am Brunnernbach, Burgberg, Bavaria. The rooms were well fitted out and allowed for accommodating in ages and gender as required. Ski hire was from Sontofen. All skis were computer fitted by the shop. The service was excellent and the equipment up to date and fit for purpose. All participants were issued and required to wear a helmet.
The lodge provided breakfast, and evening meal. Lunch was a self-help packed lunch supplied by the lodge put together by the individual for consumption throughout the day. Soup was also served on arrival back at the lodge after the days skiing
Two Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and the Officer Commanding were employed to look after the welfare of the cadets during non-skiing activities and leisure time. Two welfare adults participated in the skiing activity and both took part in the Ski Course and were available at any point while on the slopes as they skied with each of the groups.
Saturday 5 March. Travel. Coach journey and flights from the UK to Germany.
Sunday 6 March. Skiing at Bolsterlang. All students were assessed and then split into their ability groups. That evening the party walked to a nearby hostelry and indulged in a game of skittles and dined on Bratwurst mit Pommes-Frittes.
Monday 7 March. Skiing at Balderschwang. All groups continued to progress, although the beginners had more difficulty, skiers were instructed on how to use a Button Lift and T Bar. During the evening a further lecture for the SF1 Course was given on avalanches.
Tuesday 8 March. Skiing at Balderschwang. The slopes were more challenging due to fresh snow and the introduction of the button lift to the novice group. The beginners group tackled a longer Blue and put in to practice all the skills they had learnt over the previous days. The advance group skied on Red runs and the beginners’ progress onto a long gentle Blue run.
Wednesday 9 March. Skiing at Ifan. Ifan remained the best resort for good snow. The beginners group covered approximately 15km at a height of 2300m. In the evening the group went to the Wonnemar, the local swimming pool to try and relax tired muscles.
Thursday 10 March. Skiing at Sollereck.
Friday 11 March. Skiing the Fellonhorn. The students completed the final assessment and had a go at some challenging terrain. All achieved a level of competence and were awarded the relevant Snow Sport Award.
Saturday 12 March. Return home.
The Exercise proved to be a great success once again, all of the cadets and adults had an absolutely fantastic time learning new skills. Planning for next year’s Exercise Snow Cub 4 has already begun, building on the experience of this year’s Exercise; all of which would not have been possible without the support of the Ulysses Trust.
“Inspire To Achieve”
