Page 43 - The Gazette Autumn 2024

The French Alps provided a welcome break from busy clinical environment that is our daily norm and allowed us to seek unique experiences. Part of Ex Northern Cold Soldier 24 and sponsored by 2nd Medical Brigade, the challenge saw regular and reserve soldiers tackle a Level 3 adventurous training expedition. Nestled in the Alps, Morzine- Avoriaz provides a picturesque but tricky terrain for seasoned skiers as well as beginners.
Five members of JHG(N) embarked on Ski Foundation 1, where we were taught to put our skis on day one, then conquering blue slopes by the end of the five-day package. Our other two members honed their skills on Ski Foundation 2 and 3, which is an advanced mix of alpine and off-piste touring, weather interpretation and navigation.
Over the course of that week in January, the skiing for all levels consisted of eight-hour intense sessions which offered a thrilling mix of exhilaration, endurance and skill refinement whilst pushing both body and mind amidst the backdrop of the snow- capped peaks.
With regards to adventure training (AT), it challenged everyone in different ways, and helped to build resilience and adaptability in the challenging alpine environment, ensuring readiness for operational demand. The camaraderie developed on the mountainside strengthened our cohesion as a team and shared purpose, with many tumbles to add!
Sgt Natalie Evans, Sgt Helen Brittain, and LCpl Lillie Holmes knew about this all too well – battered and bruised. Cpl’s Petrie and McKenzie also reported that due to their off-piste skiing, which ended in disaster, earned them a crowd at the bottom of the slope due
The camaraderie developed
on the mountainside strengthened our cohesion as a team and shared purpose, with many tumbles to add!
to their impressive falls on route. This resulted with the being tucked up in bed by 9pm most nights!
One highlight of the week was admiring the breath- taking views of the Alps and the summit of Mont- Blanc, whilst devouring chocolate crepes. The other, after a strenuous day on the slopes, our wonderful chalet was equipped with a sauna and jacuzzi, perfect for when the ski boots come off (along with heated ski boot warmers!).
We are all so grateful to Major Dobbing who made this possible for us to attend this trip, on behalf of WO1 Ashcroft, who was the Exercise Leader. A special mention also to offsetting the cost of the Exercise to JHG(N)’s Enhanced Commanding Officers Public Fund (ECOPF) and the regiment’s non-public funding (PRI) – every little helps! We look forward to refining our skills and hoping we have these opportunities afforded to us again in the not-too-distant future.
The Gazette QARANC Association 43
‘When in doubt,
ski it out!’
Seven members of Joint Hospital Group (North) took to the slopes of Morzine for the winter ski season, gaining valuable qualifications.