Page 43 - Bugle Autumn 2023

6 RIFLES
EX FROSTED WYVERN
The first day of any skiing exercise is all about ensuring everyone has the correct kit they require for the week ahead. All groups managed to get onto the mountain by 11am to start their skiing, the SF1 (Beginner) groups started on the nursery slopes, whilst the SF2 (Intermediate) groups explored the local Zell Am See slopes.
On day 2 the SF1 groups continued their training on the nursery slopes, focusing on the famous snow plough. Whilst the SF2 groups split, with one group heading over to the Saalbach slopes, one group heading
up the glacier and the final group staying in Zell Am See;
Each group was met with snowy and windy conditions that tested the students skiing abilities and navigation. This weather front eventually cleared during our trip and we were left with ideal powder conditions, providing perfect off piste conditions that was beneficial for the beginners. Those who improved the most were awarded small trophies at the end of this successful and fun trip.
Rfn Duelli
Each group was met with snowy and windy conditions that tested the students skiing abilities and navigation
ALPINE SKIING
Ex Frosted Blade 37 is the Infantry Alpine Skiing Championship hosted in Val d’Isere in France between December 2022 and January 2023. The Championships consist of a month-long preparation phase, followed by a week of individual and team Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super-G and Downhill competitions culminating in the combination event of a speedy Super-G race, followed by a particularly technical Slalom.
In late December I joined the 6 RIFLES team of eight skiers led by Lt. Lacey and
Sjt. Parker on their way to France. It marked my first day back on skis after an absence of more than 15 years. I was surprised how quickly it all came back to me and after just a week of finding our feet again and our first taste of Slalom and Giant Slalom practice courses, the team jumped straight into the competition week alongside other Regulars
and Reservists, many of whom had been practising since the start of December.
After spending New Year’s Day on the hills, my first taste of racing was a fun night slalom competition where I joined a team of Riflemen competing against the other infantry teams. During the competition 6 RIFLES quickly
went from strength-to-strength, placing third and fourth in all competitions. I was lucky
to place high enough to join the Infantry Skiing Team in the Alpine Skiing Qualifiers and Championship Ex Lions Roar, adding another three weeks of skiing. In the Infantry team, supported by two French instructors, we constantly placed amongst the top teams and many of our strongest experienced skiers found themselves in the top ten.
The intensity and the quality of the competition gave me the opportunity to develop my skills and continuously improve, pushing my own limits and embracing
my first day back on skis after an absence of more than 15 years.
jumps, speeds and technical difficulty I previously thought of as unachievable. It was an incredible experience and has been a highlight of my year.
My skiing season ended with Ex Frosted Wyvern 23, a Level 3 Adventurous Training exercise that introduces Riflemen who are new to skiing with the basic skills required for ski touring. Rookies and experienced skiers from 6 RIFLES, along with guests from 1 RIFLES came together in Seeburg Austria, in order to develop their touring skills and gain their foundation qualifications. Adventure training such as alpine skiing and ski touring allows me to push myself out of my comfort zone and to embrace new challenges, developing skills that I am sure will help me throughout my military career.
Capt Clarke
I was surprised how quickly it all came back to me
RIFLES The Bugle 43