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There was a jolting 'what have I let myself in for' moment on learning I'd been picked out of the hat for an Alpenrose trip. Some of the staff who run the centre are ex-army and there were stories of alarming physical activities. Arrival at the Alpenrose soon dispelled that. The accommodation and food were first class and the staff friendly and supportive, facilitating not just the activities but the social side as well. Some are volunteers because they believe in what the centre stands for - personal development, new experiences, pushing boundaries. Their enthusiasm was infectious. 
The stunning scenery was a perfect backdrop to the activities - Nordic skiing, snowshoe walking and team building - involving ropes and wires across gorges - the most rewarding as it needed cooperation, trust, and teamwork. These qualities, on a much larger scale, were seen in two awe-inspiring evening presentations by Dave Bunting, who led the 2006 expedition up Everest's notorious west face and Dee Caffari, the first woman to sail single-handed round the world in both directions. It is possible to question the purpose of enterprises like these but impossible not to admire the sheer courage, drive, organisation and determination to carry them through.
Kevin Anderson Bibliographic Services Librarian Faculty of Innovation North - Libraries and Learning Services
Last week saw a group of 19 students and staff, winners in the Leeds Metropolitan University Festival of Partnerships for Students, arrive at the Carnegie Alpenrose for a week of fun and personal development in the mountains. When they received the news that they were to fly out to Bavaria for a week of snow and sunshine, few of them really knew what to expect.
Many groups arrive here questioning themselves deeply, will I be fit enough; is it going to be scary; am I capable? Well, so far...everyone who has visited us on a teambuilding or leadership programme has accomplished the challenges on offer; some against all expectations of themselves. Our trainers are some of the most highly qualified and experienced outdoor specialists and safety remains their main focus; fun a close second! This is nicely expressed below by one of the students in the group.
From all your Gorge group, we wish we were in the Gorge every day. Not once did we feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Thank you for making our first day at the Alpenrose so great. Becki Griffiths
Although this programme was not essentially about learning new skills or teambuilding (these students came from many different faculties across the University) it was still designed to be a very powerful experience, benefitting the individual both personally and professionally.
Reasonably new to the industry myself, I have been blown away by the effects of outdoor activities on individuals. The achievements in getting yourself and your team mates down through the “Gorge experience” or of learning a new skill such as Nordic skiing are a huge boost to self confidence and self belief which in turn can boost creativity, problem solving and develop talent and potential. You are also bonding with people who are sharing the same experiences as you and in doing so you are learning to place trust and have confidence in others as well as yourself.
Experiencing something outside of your normal routine can also have huge psychological benefits and give you that nudge you need to realise dreams and aspirations that you thought were beyond your boundaries. Please see our “Be your Best“ web page for more benefits of outdoor activities.
“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered you will never grow.”> Ronald E Osborn
This group arrived in the main as individuals but left as a group of friends who had shared some great experiences. There was a lot of laughter as well as a few tears of anticipation but I think the testimonials they left us sum up the end product......
“Had a brilliant time and would like to thank all the staff involved. I feel I have achieved something I would not have done otherwise, thanks" Karen Smith
“Thanks to everyone involved in making the last few days so amazing. I’ve never been on a trip like this but I definitely will be doing something like this again....” Chris Jones
“The time spent with My Peak Potential has been both exciting and exhilarating. The activities are so rewarding and the team leaders are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Thank you 4 the opportunity” Sam Dixon
The stunning scenery was a perfect backdrop to the activities - Nordic skiing, snowshoe walking and team building - involving ropes and wires across gorges - the most rewarding as it needed cooperation, trust, and teamwork. These qualities, on a much larger scale, were seen in two awe-inspiring evening presentations by Dave Bunting, who led the 2006 expedition up Everest's notorious west face and Dee Caffari, the first woman to sail single-handed round the world in both directions. It is possible to question the purpose of enterprises like these but impossible not to admire the sheer courage, drive, organisation and determination to carry them through. 
