Page 16 - Bugle Autumn 2023

2 RIFLES
Ski touring in the beautiful Sellrain Valley
Rfn of all abilities and none assemble on Stubai glacier with their instructors for Ski Foundation cses
EX FROZEN SWORD 23
In March 2 RIFLES’ alpine skiing expedition qualified six SF1s (beginners), 12 SF2s (intermediate) and six SF3s (advanced) skiers in the Tyrol Region of Austria. Led by Lt Tom Blagbrough who was ably supported by Sjt Ryan McLaughlin, 26 Riflemen braved the 36-hour drive from Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn, to Stubai Glacier, Austria. This was no mean feat. The suffering was worth the reward however, as there was fresh powder throughout the two weeks. Complete novices learnt how to ski on the greens and blues of the Tyrol region’s largest ski resort and the more experienced were able to tour up the beautiful Sellrain Valley as they completed their SF3 qualification.
A special mention goes to Rfn Barnard and LCpls Chamberlain and Tudreau, who only put on skis for the first time in 2022 but saw themselves summiting Samerschlag
(2829m) in the Sellrain valley after only a total of three weeks experience. Hopefully we will see them push on with their skiing careers and come back to instruct on future 2 RIFLES expeditions!
Lt Tom Blagbrough, 2IC C Coy
SF3 students learning avalanche rescue procedures
SF3 students ski-trekking uphill at an elevation of 2500m!
A newly qualified (Ski Foundation Levels 2 and 3) group of Rfn
16 RIFLES The Bugle