Exercise SKI Valour

On the 11th of March 2022 a group of fortunate personnel here at RAF High Wycombe, from a wide range of ranks, ages and skiing abilities endeavoured in a Adventure Training opportunity to Val Thorens, the largest skiing resort in the world set out to better us by learning a new skill or to further strengthen any previous level of skiing.

After a gruelling 17-hour bus journey we arrived in Val Thorens, greeted by endless crystal-clear blue skies and a gust of crisp mountain air. After dropping bags at our chalet for the week, Le Cheval Blanc, we quickly kitted ourselves before the afternoon rush. This left us the best part of the day to acclimatise and get used to the epic scenery. On the next morning we broke down our 21-person group in to smaller, more manageable teams each led by one of the 4 excellent skiing instructors provided: Blago, Mike, Smedge and Hugh. Each team started the week set out with a goal, whether that was to earn Ski Foundation 1, 2, or even work towards the 3rd and last foundation qualification. Blago led the strongest skiers of the group, mainly taking on black runs and really being tested to their limits, often covering over 40km each day! Then it was Mike who led the only group attacking SF2, where everyone was introduced to off-piste skiing, as well as learning the vital knowledge needed when in, or helping someone in an avalanche. Smedge was instructing a great team who already had some previous experience on mountains, but still had to learn and complete the SF1 syllabus. Last but not least, Hugh took the brave newbies. We all learned plenty of techniques from the basic plough turn, right up to more advanced skills such as carving, jumps and skiing backwards.

After an action-packed day of skiing the whole course would go out and enjoy the second-to-none nightlife both in the après ski bars on the slopes and in the town of Val Thorens. Some of our favourite spots were ‘Bar 360’, ‘café Snesko’, ‘Bowling’ and the famous ‘La Folie Douce’.

Everyone brought all their energy on and off the slopes which made for an incredible week at work. The bus journey home was sad.

“I personally found this to be one of if not the best week of my life as I felt my skiing has come a long way and was also able to enjoy myself whilst doing so. The week included plenty of great group activities including skiing as part of a small group and being able to watch each other’s skiing improve and laugh at one another fall and crash into big heaps of snow – this seemed to happen to myself a lot! In the evenings there was plenty of things to do and the accommodation was also very comfortable. As a whole this was a great experience to meet new people, strengthen various skills and have an enjoyable week. I think it’s a brilliant opportunity and would recommend it to anyone able to go. Obviously the most astounding part of this all was that it was all completely paid for by station! I would love to get the opportunity to go again.”

– SAC Pickering

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