Page 9 - LBV 2023

In March 2023, Cambridge UOTC delivered a foundation level skiing adventurous training expedition, designed to allow cadets of any ability, from beginner to seasoned skier, an affordable and challenging ski trip. Quoted by the Command Officer Lt Col Adrian Garrett to be an experience that was “fun, fulfilling and ensured personal growth”.
Following the 16-hour coach journey individuals routed themselves into their accommodation within in UCPA Tignes, collected their issued kit, and then split into ability groups: three groups aiming to complete Ski Foundation 1 (SF1); and three groups to complete Ski Foundation 2 (SF2).
The SF1 groups were themselves diverse in ability. Whilst one group contained novice skiers who took
their first steps (or more appropriately named skids) onto the slopes during the expedition, another group contained those who were comfortable on all but the most challenging pistes but had not completed any military ski training.
Meanwhile, the SF2 groups were being sized up for tour skis and preparing to develop their alpine skills. SF2 requires to skier to complete avalanche drills, demonstrate a far higher level of control an technique on their skis and to take part in a day of ski touring - a form of skiing that excludes the use of ski-lifts, requiring that the participants trek up the mountain before skiing back down.
The first day arrived, along with heavy snow, and the cadets were off! The novice skiers did themselves credit, learning the basics in difficult conditions, with visibility becoming increasingly low and the slopes increasingly cut up. For the more experienced skiers, it was a race to the top, with cadets getting their ski legs back and frothing at the bit to get some long runs in. Well restrained by our excellent instructors, all the groups arrived home, incredibly soggy, but
in one piece and ready to sample the culture of Apres Ski together.
This difficult weather continued for
the week, with a practical whiteout on the final day. However, Wednesday was a complete different story. Blue skies
and a generous layer of fresh powder
... a skiers dream. On this day, the first SF2 group completed their ski touring, working hard for the fantastic views at the end. Meanwhile, the novice skiers were now exploring up the slopes, pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and impressing both their instructor and fellow kiers with the speed of their improvement on the pistes. The senior SF1 group used the day to ski
as many runs in the resort as possible, starting the day off by using the fastest route to move across the valley and then gradually skiing back.
The hard week of training could of course not be complete without the annual après ski party. Officer Cadets this year had to dress to the theme
of ‘British Icons,’ and they did not disappoint. Costumes included but were not limited to: the 118 men, the spice girls, the aliens from toy story, David Attenborough, a full English and – of course – HP sauce.
Overall, despite the ups and downs of the weather, it was a great weeks skiing. Everyone’s skiing improved
dramatically. Alongside a growth in knowledge of avalanche drills, and the SF2 groups proving they could put them into practice, the expedition definitely outstripped expectations.
OCdt Preece, an SF2 skier, described the trip as “An immensely satisfying experience; being able to significantly improve on my skills and look like a better and more artful skier by the end of the week was extremely rewarding. Coupled with the avalanche rescue training and ski-touring that offered an insight into skiing at a more advanced and tactical level, the week as a whole was one of the best I’ve had with the UOTC.”
2Lt Scarly Knight
THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER 9