become a buddy

 Places for the 2025 Ski-habilitation Week have now been filled for Buddies, but please feel free to apply for the 2026 Ski-habilitation Week as we will need Buddies then too!

What Is The Role Of A Buddy?

The role of a Buddy primarily is to help their Veteran get the most out of the Ski Week. This entails:
  • Meeting their Veteran in the morning
  • Making sure their Veteran has everything they need for the day
  • Ensure their Veteran is comfortable with the plan for the day – where they need to be and when
  • Ensuring their Veteran gets on the bus up the mountain on time
  • Spend the day skiing with their Veteran
  • In the evenings, making sure they know where they need to be and at what time
  • Supporting them throughout the week and making sure they are happy
  • Overall, assisting with the smooth running of their week

What do we look for in a Buddy?

  • Strong listening skills
  • Empathy and understanding
  • Self aware and proactive
  • Enjoys helping others and bring out the best in people
  • Able to fundraise
  • Good skiers
  • Fun!
Apply now

FAQ’s about being a Buddy.

How do I get involved as a Buddy?

In order to get involved as a Buddy you will undergo an application process amongst other potential Buddies. On the website there is an online form which you will need to complete. The next stage will be a personal interview with a member of one of the committee.

Do I need to have a military background to become a Buddy?

A military background is not essential to effectively participate as a Buddy. Buddies are from all backgrounds, jobs and ages thus providing Veterans with the opportunity to meet a wide range of people to get advice and support from.

Why do you always go to Klosters, Switzerland is notoriously quite expensive?”

The village of Klosters kindly provide hospitality for the charity for free or at a subsidised rate. Additionally, the nature of the pistes in Klosters are good for the Veterans to ski and there is no heli-rescue in the area that may cause PTSD.

Will I get any free time skiing?

Unfortunately, not, but you will get plenty of skiing done with your Veteran.

How much money will I need to raise to take part in the scheme?

To participate in the Sports Habilitation Ski Week, it is a necessity that all Buddies’ costs (flights, food, equipment, etc) are covered to ensure all Veterans can gain maximum output from the week. The minimum fundraising amount that we ask is £2000.

Do the Buddies have to teach their Veterans how to ski?

No. We have specialist instructors to help the Veterans ski – instructors who specialise in a range of adaptive skiing techniques so they can tailor their teaching for each Veteran.

Do Buddies have to help the Veterans with any medical problems?

No. The SWV Team has trained Medical Professionals with them during the Ski Week to help with the Veterans medical needs.

What are some good ways to fundraise?

Buddies have the freedom to fundraise however they wish. Previous Buddies have fund raised in a huge variety of ways! There have been everything from bake sales to sponsored runs, epic bike rides to wild adventures, sky diving to Arctic swims…and everything in between!
So get creative and have fun with!

Can I become a Mentor after being a Buddy?

Yes! Many of our Buddies go on to become Mentors. The process involves applying to becoming a Mentor and completing the Mentor training and then being assigned a Veteran mentee. Having been a Buddy first may give you a great insight into how you could help Veterans further, so often it is a natural progression.

What will the Sports Habilitation Ski Week entail?

The week will require a strong mental and physical attitude and a focused approach when supporting and encouraging Veterans. In turn the week will be rewarding for both Veterans and Buddies.
At the start of the week you will be partnered with a particular Veteran in accordance to their character and skiing ability. Often due to how the pairings have been established, friendships are quickly formed. Veteran’s injuries vary, so the role a Buddy plays in supporting a Veteran often varies too.
Great lunches will be provided daily, followed by more skiing in afternoons and delicious suppers in the evenings. The week will end on a high with the slalom ski race in fancy dress and a large prize giving dinner.
It is important to understand that for most Veterans this week is the biggest challenge that they have faced since their initial diagnosis or injury, so compassion and understanding is essential.

What lasting impressions will the trip leave behind on Buddies?

The trip will give you a greater understanding on perspective as well as the gaining of many new friends with other Buddies and Veterans. The additional contacts gained from the week not only helps Veterans establish employment links but also aids Buddies’ network and meet new people.

Do I need to be a good skier?

You need to be able to ski to a certain standard, yet you do not need to be an expert skier. Your abilities will be matched with Veterans of similar abilities.