NI CADETS ENJOY THEIR FIRST SKIING EXERCISE TO SCOTLAND

The trip was idea of Cadet Instructor Sgt Murphy, who is also a Joint Service Ski instructor, and who realised that not all families can afford to avail of the excellent opportunities available to cadets through the Combined Cadet Adventure Training (CCAT) who offer ski training in places like Bavaria. He thought he would try to organise something a bit closer to home – his little idea was a huge success!

Cadets and staff made the journey by ferry to Scotland and mini-bussed it across the country. They stayed in the Rothiemurchus Lodge, hostel type accommodation that is solely for the use of service personnel, veterans, MOD and Cadets that overlooks the breathtaking Cairngorms and Spey Valley.

The cadets, from detachments across the Battalion, jumped at the opportunity to be one of the chosen few. The numbers were tight due to the student / instructor ratio for skiing – the maximum number of students was only eight students. This means that there will be quite a few names on the waiting list for next year, should a similar trip be possible. 

They managed to fit in two full days of skiing, and under Sgt Murphy’s instruction, all ended the trip with a confidence on the slopes that they didn’t have before. A few of the cadets showing a natural talent at falling over and some executing very smart parallel turns that will stand them in good stead should they wish to progress onto their Ski Foundation Level 1.

The Rothiemurchus Lodge was perfect for the trip and the town of Aviemore offers plenty of retail therapy and activities off the slopes, which included a trip to the local hotel’s leisure complex followed by a pizzeria. The Exercise was thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part with a big thank you to 2nd Northern Battalion Army Cadets, the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association NI and 2 Royal Irish who helped to keep the cost down.

Sgt Murphy is already planning next year’s trip, hoping to make it a bit further afield as the Battalion tries to open up this sort of opportunity to more aspiring Downhill Champions.