Page 46 - Wish Stream Year of 2016

Exercise ICE CADET
OCdt Elkington
Ex ICE CADET, supported by the Sandhurst Trust, was a skiing expedition to Val Thorens in the French Alps. This adventurous train-
ing expedition provided Of cer Cadets with the opportunity to develop their physical and mental robustness in a more relaxed environment. Ex ICE CADET deployed immediately after the Sov- ereign’s Parade, and as the coaches began to make their way up the winding mountain roads, there was a sense of excitement amongst all Of cer Cadets after the stresses and strains of the Intermediate Term.
Owing to the differing levels of experience within the group, cadets were split between instruc- tors, with the two beginners joining a beginners’ course. They began at the most basic level, but by the end of the week were fully capable of skiing Val Thorens’ many blue runs. The rest of Ex ICE CADET set off up the mountain and re- acquainted themselves with the snow over the course of the afternoon.
The next day, the storm clouds rolled in. Cadets awoke to the sound of high winds, and soon learnt that all lifts would be out of action until
the following morning. After a particularly lei- surely breakfast, the beginner group spent the day going up and down the magic carpet, while the advanced group turned their attentions to ski touring and avalanche awareness. Learning how best to avoid avalanches, as well as putting on and using ski-touring ‘skins’, forms a signi cant part of the SF2 quali cation, and this afternoon allowed more experienced cadets to learn a completely new set of skills on the slopes.
The following day, the expedition was treated once more to sunshine, and so took the oppor- tunity to visit the neighbouring resorts of Meribel and Courchevel. The cadets also successfully completed a particularly icy black run, which was a rst for some members of the group.
By the end of the week, everyone had made signi cant improvements to their technical abil- ity, and achieved either the SF1 or SF2 quali ca- tion. Special thanks must go to OCdts Reames and Morris for organising the expedition, and Rich and Emma Benbow for their excellent and understanding instruction.
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