The Alpine Challenge is an event for RAF personnel who enjoy the thrill of winter sports. Every year, enthusiasts from beginners to elite athletes gather to take part in an endurance race against the magnificent backdrop of the Austrian Alps.
Catering to all levels of skill, the two-week event is not only where the seasoned winter sports competitors go to battle it out for medals but is also an excellent opportunity for those who want to learn a new sport.
Hitting the Alpine slopes for the first time in 2025 were AS1(T) Joseph Allan and Cpl Callum Barry. They spoke to us about their experiences as newbie snowboarders, what makes the Challenge such an incredible event, and how they were supported by the Central Fund.
AS1(T) Joseph Allan
“I attended the Alpine Challenge for the very first time in January 2025 as a complete novice snowboarder, with some previous skiing experience.
It was very easy to sign up, and the winter sports committee was very helpful throughout!
I knew a few personnel who were in the intermediate lessons, but spent a week being coached as a beginner – I had a fantastic time!
I am quite athletic, and with my previous skiing experience I managed to pick up snowboarding quite quickly. This meant I was allowed more freedom and got to spend the late afternoons going down the runs with my work friends.
By the end of the week, I was successfully landing jumps on my snowboard – result!
I would highly recommend the Alpine Challenge to anyone who is interested in winter sports, as it is such a great experience, especially for spending quality time with your colleagues.
It is also great for anyone coming to the end of their military journey as many recruitment agencies attend, providing helpful information about future opportunities.
I play the Sports Lottery to support sport, but it has also meant that I have been eligible to receive enhanced funding through the Central Fund’s Individual Sports Grants. This financial support has assisted with kit and equipment for the event, which was much appreciated!”
Cpl Callum Barry
“I attended the Alpine Challenge as a snowboarder for the first time in 2025. Despite being a competent skier who has spent many hours on the slopes previously, I was completely new to the discipline of snowboarding.
I am based at RAF Leeming which has a strong Winter Sports team, so the process of applying to attend the Challenge was very easy.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Austria for many reasons. The beginner’s snowboarding course was expertly run, it was well-organised, informative, and the instructors were extremely friendly. There was always someone to answer any questions I had, and the team was very approachable.
The social aspect of the event is also a big reason why it is so popular. Along with several RAF personnel, civilian contractors attend which is great for networking.
Being able to participate and represent the RAF whilst learning a new sport was amazing. Unfortunately, I’m not able to attend the Alpine Challenge this year due to deployment, but I plan to return as soon as possible!
I have continued to board regularly in the UK since returning from the event – an opportunity that is possible thanks to the guys at RAF Leeming who organise monthly trips to SnowZone in Castleford to keep up everyone’s competencies.
Central Fund support through their Individual Sports Grants helped to cover lift passes and personal equipment so I could attend the Alpine Challenge last year. I thoroughly encourage anyone looking to attend an event like this to play the Sports Lottery, not only for the additional financial support, but also for the chance to win a cash prize – although I haven’t been lucky yet, there’s always the chance of winning the £10,000 jackpot!”
Are you playing the Sports Lottery? To access enhanced benefits of our Individual Sports Grants, whilst being in a chance of winning a big cash prize every week, sign-up or increase your ticket holding at https://www.rafcf.org.uk/sports-lottery.
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