Matravers CCF - Schwarzsee Snowshoe Expedition
- Justine Greenfield
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
The Matravers Combined Cadet Force (CCF) undertook a snowshoeing expedition in the picturesque alpine region of Schwarzsee, Switzerland.
We are deeply grateful to the Connaught Trust for their generous sponsorship of the expedition, to HQSW for their invaluable logistical support, and to Wessex RFCA for their post-event funding assistance to the Contingent. Their combined support was instrumental—without this financial backing, an expedition of this scale, challenge, and educational value would simply not have been possible.
“This expedition was an invaluable opportunity to develop leadership in a real-world, challenging environment. Experiences like this simply cannot be replicated in a classroom—they build confidence, adaptability, and decision-making skills that last a lifetime.” Lt S Paginton
This challenging and rewarding experience was designed to develop essential winter expedition skills among cadets, fostering resilience, teamwork, and self-reliance in a demanding environment. Over the course of the expedition, cadets engaged in a variety of activities aimed at enhancing their competence in cold-weather survival and navigation.
“Leading in this environment required adaptability and calmness. It reminded me that effective leadership is about empowering others and maintaining morale, even when the situation is physically and mentally demanding.” Mr L Best
One of the most memorable and educational highlights of the expedition was the hands-on experience of constructing an igloo. This activity required teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience in challenging conditions. Cadets began by selecting an appropriate site with deep, compact snow—essential for creating strong, durable blocks. Using snow saws and shovels, they carefully cut and shaped the blocks, ensuring uniformity for stability. The construction followed the spiral method, a traditional technique that allows the walls to curve inward gradually, forming a self-supporting dome. This approach not only provided structural integrity but also gave cadets an appreciation for the ingenuity of winter survival skills.
“Building the igloo was harder than I expected, but it was amazing to see how strong it became once the last block was in place. It really showed me the importance of precision and teamwork.” – Cdt Cpl T Murray
Another critical focus of the expedition was avalanche safety—a vital component of operating in mountainous, snow-covered environments. Cadets received comprehensive training on recognizing avalanche-prone terrain, interpreting avalanche forecasts, and identifying hazards such as terrain traps and unstable slopes. Practical sessions reinforced this knowledge through hands-on use of essential safety equipment, including avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels. These tools were put to the test during simulated rescue scenarios, where cadets practiced locating and recovering buried team members under time pressure. This immersive training emphasized the importance of preparation, quick decision-making, and teamwork in life-threatening situations.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but working as a team to find and dig out a ‘casualty’ gave me confidence that I could handle a real emergency.” – Cadet A Horn
“The avalanche training was intense but really valuable. Using the transceiver and probe in a real scenario made me realise how every second counts.” – Cdt Cpl J Wright
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