Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland Army Cadet Force

Ski Cadet 2012 - 10th to 18th February 2012
See if you can spot your family or friends Click here to view the live webcams at Foppolo
	Our hotel is full with us and two schools. We have taken over two of the four floors; the rooms sleep 3 or 4 cadets each and have en suite facilities and a TV.
It has two large dining areas and a communal area with comfy chairs and a TV. The hotel is designed to host schools and youth groups, so is well equipped for us and the food is good. In-house snacks from the bar area cost approximately e1.50 for a can of pop and e2.00 for a coffee.

	The hotel sits at the top of town, so we will have a walk down the hill to get there and a climb up the hill coming back. However, there is not much in town and there are some shops just opposite the hotel.
There are no ATM facilities so you will need to ensure that you bring sufficient euros with you. Luckily for us the hotel sits at the top of the hill some 1600m above sea level, which means that the main ski lift is just outside the front door!!
	Snow levels are currently only 50-60cms so the snow cannons are working hard but there are a range of blue and red runs and 1 black run open, which will keep us entertained.
With the UK temperatures acclimatising us for our trip, we should all be practiced in wrapping up warm. Temperatures at Foppolo are averaging -2 during the day but there may be some harsh cross winds so the wind chill factor will make it feel considerably colder then that at times.

IMPORTANT BITS: Ensure you book in on time at either Northampton or Leicester on 10th Feb... Departure time is 08:00, the coach will leave no later than 08:45. On arrival at your departure location, you MUST book in and ensure your passport and E111 are checked. Make sure you are issued with, and are wearing, your LNR ACF hoodie before we depart. Remind your parents and friends to check here regularly for the duration of your trip. Daily updates will appear on the site and you could well be the reporter for your training group one day. Capt Smales will be coordinating the reports but is looking for budding reporters to write daily blogs from each of the training groups. Do you want to see your name on here when you get home? He will also be collecting in your photographs each day, so make sure you take plenty of you and your group to ensure that your family and friends catch a glimpse of you on the website..... You must keep a pair of ski socks in your hand luggage so that you can get your boots fitted on arrival. Whilst the coach will have comfort breaks, food can be expensive at the stops so please ensure that you have plenty to eat and drink on the coach. All your questions should have been answered on the recent paperwork issued by County HQ, However, if you still have questions speak to your DC or, closer to the time, use the contact details listed on the letter.
	Exercise SKI CADET 2012 will be held in the resort of Foppolo, Italy. Our accommodation is the Hotel Cristallo which is situated next to the ski lifts. It is usually possible to ski to the hotel sun terrace.
The resort itself is ideally suited for groups and is tailored for both beginners and the more advanced skier. For those who have been on previous Ski Cadet Trips, this will provide the opportunity for them to improve their skiing technique and to progress in their Snow Sport Awards.
	For first time skiers, this is an excellent opportunity for them to try something new in a friendly, safe and controlled environment as well as gaining a Snow Sport Award.
The brochure cost of the trip is £889 for under 18s and £35 extra for over 18s. However we will only be charging £595 for cadets under 18 years of age on the date of return from trip and £625 for cadets over 18 and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
This will include a. Travel to and from the resort by Executive Coach b. Six day’s full board and accommodation, including hot lunches at the hotel c. Six day’s lift pass d. 6 day’s ski instruction with local instructors e. Full Ski equipment hire (skis, boots, poles and helmet) f. Fully comprehensive insurance g. In resort reps h. Evening entertainment i. Awards and certificates j. Exercise branded hoodie
	Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. A deposit of £200 along with the tear off strip below must be returned to County Headquarters by Monday 3rd October. On confirmation of a place being allocated, we will hold an information evening, details of which will be sent to you.
At this stage your deposit will become non refundable. A second payment of £200 will be required by 3rd November. The final payment of £195 will then be due before the 10th December 2011. Should we receive any grants or donations, the final payment may be reduced. At the information evening we will be promoting ways of fund raising to also reduce the cost to individuals.