Alpine Adventure 2023

During the February school half term, 40 RAF Air Cadets and 13 volunteer staff from across the South of England travelled to Germany. They participated in an expedition that was to see them undertake a full six-day programme of ski training and skiing at a variety of resort locations in Southern Bavaria and Austria.

This year saw the return of the expedition following a 3-year hiatus imposed by the pandemic. Basing ourselves in the Bavarian village of Vorderburg, the expedition has a long-standing relationship with the area around it, after first visiting in the late 1990’s. Participants are drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds and regardless of their skiing experience and ability. In fact, the expedition has always prided itself on being able to successfully introduce absolute beginners to the Alps and Alpine skiing, which is possibly why it has managed to return year on year.

Unlike other cadet and school skiing trips, Alpine Adventure is completely self-sufficient with regards the delivery of ski training, in that we have developed a cadre of volunteer staff who have personally invested time to gain and maintain their Alpine Ski Leader qualification. This means that we are able to offer affordable access to those that wish to learn how to ski, as well as those that wish to develop their skiing ability, confidence and understanding on skis…

…Cpl Keyford best summed up her thoughts about what the expedition meant to her;

‘Over 6 days, I was taught how to improve my skiing skills in a variety of ski resorts in both Germany and Austria and was awarded with my Snowlife Ski Award at the end of the week. Despite it being tiring, warm and sometimes challenging (and despite spending 23 hours on a coach to get there!). It was by far the best cadet experience I have ever had, and I have made countless friends and memories that will not be forgotten anytime soon! I have been able to develop skills in so many areas that I would have never thought possible, and I did it all whilst having countless hours of fun! Thank you to all the amazing staff who dedicated their time to provide us with such an amazing trip, and I will put my name down for next year!’