Winter Warmer 2025 in the Cairngorms, Scotland
23 July 2025
Adventurous Training
23 July 2025
Humberside & South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force’s “Winter Warmer” expedition took them to the snowy Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland. It offered a week of skiing, teamwork, and new experiences that many of these young people might never have had without the support of an ACCT UK grant.
For many cadets, Winter Warmer was their first time ever seeing a ski slope, let alone strapping on a pair of skis. The ACCT UK grant made it possible for everyone to join in, regardless of their background. As their Company Commander, shared…
“The sponsorship given has made a massive impact on them. Thank you.”
Major Richard Lenton
By the end of the week, every cadet had achieved something special:
These aren’t just certificates. They’re proof of new skills, determination, and confidence.
The trip started with plenty of excitement as the group left Driffield, singing songs on the coach and getting to know each other. Once in Scotland, they settled into their lodges, enjoyed a hot meal, and got ready for the week ahead.
Day 2: After a hearty breakfast—“Better than my mum’s home cooking,” one cadet joked—the group explored their new home and learned about all the ski gear. Putting on ski boots for the first time was a challenge:
“It looked and felt like we were walking like chickens – it really felt unnatural.”
That night, the cadets played board games and music, making friends and spending time away from screens.
Day 3: The first day on the slopes brought a mix of nerves and excitement. Cadets learned to stop safely using the “Pizza method” and, most importantly, how to fall over without getting hurt.
“There were a lot of falling people, but we were encouraged to keep trying until we mastered the lesson.”
By the end of the day, everyone was tired but proud.
Day 4: With each run, the group grew more confident. Their instructor even added dance moves into the lessons, making learning fun:
“So far, this has been one of the best experiences we have had. We’re all feeling a great sense of accomplishment and joy for how far we have come.”
Day 5: The challenges kept coming—this time, learning to ski backwards! The day finished with a trip to the swimming pool, where the cadets reflected on how much they’d grown:
“This trip has been great and taught us so much more than just skiing.”
Day 6: The week wrapped up with the famous “paper plate awards,” celebrating everything from the best jumps to the most spectacular falls. Laughter and applause filled the room as each cadet was recognised for their unique contribution to the group.
Winter Warmer was about more than skiing. It was about pushing boundaries, making friends, and discovering what you’re capable of when you try something new. As Major Lenton put it,
“Every cadet was fully able to participate and was exposed to the full ethos of what Adventurous Training is all about within the cadet force programme.”
The cadets themselves summed it up best:
“Most of us had never been skiing before and were completely clueless about what we were doing. But now, we were skiing decently and feeling a real sense of enjoyment.”
Because of our grant funding, these young people didn’t just learn to ski. They learned about resilience, teamwork, and believing in themselves. They left Scotland with new skills, new friends, and incredible memories.
Winter Warmer 2025 was proof that, with the right support, young people can achieve incredible things. ACCT UK’s grant didn’t just make a winter warmer… it made futures brighter.