Fifteen cadets and staff from Thames Valley Wing have just returned from the 2013 Alpine Adventure ski trip in Bavaria, Germany. Alpine Adventure is a well established ATC activity that has been running for nearly 20 years and provides the opportunity for up to 80 cadets to either learn to ski, or to improve their skiing techniques.
The Thames Valley Wing cadets formed part of the South West Region contingent, staying at a 14th Century Mill in Wertach, along with cadets from Region, as well as others from Manchester, Middlesex and Kent.
After being kitted out with Ski equipment on the first morning, cadets hit the slopes at Oberjoch, on the Austrian border, and spent a day skiing on fresh snow in lovely sunny conditions. The second and third days were also spent at Oberjoch, skiing as fresh snow fell during the day, with all cadets progressing on to the T-Bars and the majority attempting to ski on red runs. During the evening, cadets took part in a quiz and spent an evening at the Sonthoffen swimming centre, making the most of the water slides and swimming outside in the snow. Thankfully this year no cadets sustained any serious injuries, however one member of the party from Kent Wing was airlifted by helicopter from the slopes as a precaution, but was released from hospital after a checkup and being given the all clear.
The fourth day of skiing was at the Steibis resort, with Gondola cable cars and chairlifts for cadets to use on a wide range of slopes, including wide rolling pistes, runs through the forests and challenging red and black runs to cater for all abilities of skiing.
In the evening cadets were guests of the Untergassen rifle club, where they took part in an air rifle shooting competition and were also introduced to Bavarian leg wrestling.
On the Thursday, on a glorious sunny day, cadets were taken to Austria to ski at the Ifen resort, one of the highest in the area at a height in excess of 2000m above sea level. With fantastic views of the snow covered alps and long wide ski runs, cadets were able to carry out their snowlife award assessments.
Thursday evening saw the ever popular gala evening, hosted by Thames Valley’s Flt Lt Stewart Longhurst and with a wide range of entertainment put on by the staff and a few senior cadets.
Friday was the sixth and final day of skiing, at the Austrian resort of Jungholz. The morning was a chance for cadets to familiarise themselves with the resort, as the afternoon they were tasked with taking part in a treasure hunt and were also set various challenges. This was a great way to end the week of skiing, with a fun competitive event before the preparation to return home early the following morning.
Some feedback has already been received from the cadets and parents in relation to the trip, via email and the Facebook page Alpine Ski. Comments include:
One of the best weeks ever! Can’t wait for next year! Alpine Adventure!!
Back from the most amazing week of my life!
Really loved skiing this week, thank you everyone for making it amazing!:)
Back from Alpine Adventure 2013! One of the best weeks of my life with some awesome people 🙂
