Ashcroft sponsor Exercise Mountain Storm 2025

A student of Alcester Grammar School Sixth Form contacted us recently and asked if we would like to sponsor him for the Exercise Mountain Stone expedition 2025. We sponsored an individual back in 2023 with the same expedition, so of course we said yes!

Exercise Mountain Storm is taking place in August 2025, and twenty-two 16-18 years olds will set off on a 6 day unsupported, remote hike in the rocky mountains in Canada with the Royal Air Force Cadets.

They have all gone through a rigorous selection process consisting of an application, followed by a 3 day selection event, which tested their teamwork and survival skills. The expedition has twice previously been awarded the Shackleton Trophy, which is presented to the best overseas expedition in the UK Cadet armed forces.

Each cadet have to raise over £1500 for the trip, and will complete numerous training exercises in the UK to prepare them for the expedition. Once they land in Canada, they will undergo extra training, such as acclimatisation and bear awareness. They then head into the Nordegg Wilderness area for a 6 day, 90 km trek across the mountains, reaching a peak of over 3000 m elevation. Each of the cadets will be carrying over 26 kg each, including their own tents and food for the week. For each day, they will take it in turns to lead their individual groups, which will test their leadership and team working skills. At the end of the hike, there will be an opportunity for them to take part in other local activities, such as mountain biking and white water rafting, to round off the trip.

We wish all 22 Cadets taking part in this expedition all the best! Go smash it Guys!