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Naval families’ Alpine treat thanks to AT centre and RNRMC

One of the dads shows off his snowboarding skills
15 January 2025
Navy physical trainers and the Service’s premier charity helped families enjoy an Alpine start to 2025.

Thanks to support from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the team at the Naval Outdoor Centre were able to offer subsidised family holidays on the Bavarian slopes, creating an unforgettable experience for several Naval families, from exhilarating skiing to serene snowshoeing through winter wonderlands, sled rides and ice skating plus family activities.

The centre in Bad Hindelang, a small community in the Allgäu about 80 miles southwest of Munich, has been operating for more than two decades, for the most part offering adventurous training opportunities – winter sports in the, er, winter and hiking, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and klettersteiging in the summer. 

It’s heavily in demand… but there are breaks in the programme which give Service families the opportunity to try Alpine activities at a subsidised price: New Year, Easter and a week in August.

The emphasis is as much on memory-making as it is sporting prowess/fitness. Thanks to the generosity of the RNRMC, families were provided with high-quality ski and winter equipment, ensuring everyone could fully immerse themselves in the experience.

The package concluded with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with a firework display which lit up the Bavarian sky. 

Leading Physical Trainer Dan Harris, who organised the winter activities, said that after a demanding 2024 for the Naval Service, the family holidays went down very well indeed, with smiles all around and plenty of bonding on the slopes. “We devise a package with the needs of military families in mind, an array of activities suitable for all ages and cosy evenings filled with storytelling, games, and festive treats. One person told me: ‘The event in Bavaria was more than a holiday – it was a chance for us to create lifelong memories with our children and meet other families who understand the unique challenges of military life.’”

Dan continued: “As the families returned home, they carried with them not only souvenirs but also the warmth of shared experiences and the knowledge that charitable organisations like the RNRMC continue to stand by them. It exemplifies the importance of creating opportunities for Royal Naval families to relax, recharge, and celebrate life together, no matter where their professional responsibilities may take them.

“The success of this event highlights the crucial role that community and support organisations play in the lives of military families. By offering a space for relaxation, connection, and growth, the RNRMC and NOCG have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the well-being of those who serve.”

For more information on applying for a family package, see the centre’s website: www.nocg.co.uk.


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