Page 16 - Bugle Spring 2025

2 RIFLES
2 RIFLES hit the slopes at
Exercise FROSTED BLADE 39
2 RIFLES ski team
Swapping the Lolldaiga Hills for the French
Alps, seven daring Riflemen from traded
their boots for skis and descended upon
Val d’Isère for Exercise FROSTED BLADE.
With snowflakes falling and egos rising,
the team faced the 39th Army Infantry
Ski Championships armed with grit,
determination—and a healthy fear of gravity.
The team, a mix of seasoned skiers and
absolute beginners, was led by Captain Matt
Scarsi, a dual contender for both 2 RIFLES
and the Infantry team, and Lt Du Toit, the
rookie ski racer with experience to spare.
Meanwhile, LCpl Shields took to the B Hill
with enthusiasm befitting a junior novice,
while LCpl Newey and Rfn Hair brought
some Frosted Blade mileage to the squad.
Unfortunately, the original seven-strong
team dwindled to five as injuries served
as harsh reminders that skiing is only
glamorous until you hit the deck.
Week one focused on two objectives:
teaching novices how to ski upright and
reacquainting veterans with their “ski legs.”
Enter Evo 2, the French ski instructors with
saintly patience and sniper-like precision.
By the time race training began, the
team had mastered the art of slalom and
giant slalom—though not without a few
spectacular wipeouts. “You don’t learn to
2 RIFLES ski team let off some
steam post racing
16 RIFLES The Bugle
“You don’t
learn to
ski fast
without
eating
snow,” one
instructor
quipped,
proving
wisdom
transcends
language
barriers
Pure aggression is the only way to
get down the GS course!
ski fast without eating snow,” one instructor
quipped, proving wisdom transcends
language barriers.
When they weren’t slicing through gates
or tumbling into powder, the Riflemen
embraced the après-ski culture. Fondue,
sledging, and a festive Christmas meal with
Lt Du Toit’s family brought warmth to the icy
peaks. As they prepared to leave their mark
on the slopes, one thing was clear: 2 RIFLES
isn’t just about sharp shooting—they’re
pretty slick on skis too.
Lt PC du Toit, Team Captain,
Ex FROSTED BLADE 39