Page 41 - QARANC Vol 14 No 7 2013

On the 15 Feb 13 we embarked on a gruelling 16 hour drive from Aldershot to the alpine resort of Neustift, Austria in order to take part in Exercise Snow Buck. As we were the only members of MDHU (FP) able to participate in the exercise, 225 Fd Hosp Unit very kindly allowed us to attach to their team. As we had not met each other before, the long and tiring journey proved valuable, as it gave us plenty of time to break the ice and get to know each other. This was important as we would be spending the next two weeks eating, sleeping and snowboarding together.
On arriving at the resort, we had a quick freshen up then headed to the nearby Dorf pub for the initial exercise brief. It was here that we got to meet the other competitors from the various competing units and were divided in to different groups depending on our existing skill level. As we had both snowboarded before we were placed in the intermediate/ advanced group, as this
would allow us to develop
our technique and improve
our overall standard of
snowboarding.
After a much needed sleep, we made the short journey up the Stubai Glacier ready for our first day of training. This began with an introduction to our instructors and a chance to become re-acquainted with our snowboards. The emphasis on the first day was to tackle various slopes and negotiate different terrains, in order to allow the instructors to assess our individual ability and provide us with coaching appropriate to our level.
Despite being competent
boarders, our first challenge on
the mountain, was to conquer
a 4ft drop from a snowy verge, aptly named the ‘drop of death’. This was as scary as it sounded and it quickly became evident that we would need a bit more practice before this could be achieved.
The second half of the first week was spent practicing for race week. This involved training for the three events that we would be competing in; the Grand Slalom (GS), Boardercross and the Slope style event. Although we were familiar with the GS and the Boardercross event, having competing in these in previous years, the slope style event, where competitors are required to perform different types of tricks and jumps in the snow park, and are then awarded points for style and difficulty by a group of judges, was relatively new to us and certainly put our new found skills to the test. However, having the opportunity to practice the events and receive some expert tuition from our coaches proved highly beneficial in preparing us for competition week, and helped to ease our nerves prior to the forthcoming events.
After a hard days training we were able to ‘free ride’ down the mountain, this meant we got to practice what we had learnt in our own time, without having to focus so much on
technical ability. Although as we were all becoming more competent riders, the emphasis was most definitely on speed and who could make it down the slope the quickest! At the end of the day, the Umbrella Bar, located at the bottom of the glacier provided an ideal place to meet, and discuss our day on the slopes. It also allowed us to have a few Gluwein’s to warm up whilst singing along to some of Austrians finest pop songs!
Entering race week, the nerves were beginning to make an appearance as everybody wanted to showcase their skills and try and win a share of the silverware. The first half of the week focused on rehearsing for the different events and polishing off our performances. Before we knew it D-day was upon us. The first race we competed in was the GS, which everyone took part in. As placing’s were determined by completing the course in the fastest overall time, speed was
of the essence, unfortunately this meant there were a few minor casualties along the way as everyone gave it their all in a bid to become the Slalom champion.
The next race was the Boardercross competition. This is where a group of riders (approximately four) race simultaneously down a multi terrain course in order to reach the finish line first. The races were run in heats, where the fastest two riders progressed to the next round. Although neither of us were fortunate enough to make the final, as the emphasis was again on speed, the final of both the women’s and men’s Boardercross proved exhilarating to watch.
The final event was the Slope Style competition, which was where both the intermediate and advanced riders got to perform the tricks/jumps that we had been practicing in front of the rest of the group. This was easier said than done however, and for some of us highlighted the need for more practise again next year, particularly with
regards to perfecting the jumps.
Prize giving marked the end of the exercise and meant it
was time to head back to Aldershot and say goodbye to our AMS colleagues, in particular our new friends from 225 TA Unit. After such an enjoyable and challenging exercise this was not eagerly anticipated. However as with all military exercises there is always an ‘End Ex’ and despite our reluctance to leave we were extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend the exercise and be able to improve our skills and technique with the help of some excellent coaches.
Finally we would like to thank the QARANC Association, the Army Sports Lottery, MDHU (FP) and 225 Fd Hosp for their help and support throughout all phases of the exercise planning.
Cpl A Wainwright and Cpl G Hayes
MDHU Frimley Park
THE GAZETTE QARANC 39
AMS Snowboarding Championships (Exercise Snow Buck) 2013