2026 awsa.org.uk
ARMY
IN THIS ISSUE 2026
WINTER SPORTS A S S O C I AT I O N
03 05 07 09 15 19 23 27 31 35 41
AWSA Points of Contact 26/27 Season Events Chair’s Foreword Alpine Bobsleigh Luge Skimo Snowboard Telemark Ex SPARTAN HIKE Ex PIPEDOWN
A R M Y W I N T E R S P O R T S A S S O C I AT I O N The Army Winter Sports Association (AWSA) was formed (as the Army Ski Association) in 1947 by Field Marshal Montgomery, to help provide military personnel with a break from routine training and operations. Since then it has encouraged generations of Army personnel to take to the snow and ice - often for the first time in their lives. The Association helps soldiers to develop their skills in demanding conditions thereby fostering self discipline, physical courage and teamwork. Many have gone on to represent their country in successive winter Olympic games. The AWSA supports nine winter sports disciplines: Alpine, Bobsleigh, Cresta, Luge, Nordic, Snowboard, Skeleton, Skimo and Telemark.
C O N T A C T H E A D
U S
O F F I C E
AWSA, Army Sport, Mackenzie Building, Fox Lines, Queen’s Avenue, Aldershot, GU11 2LB 01252 787077 | contact@awsa.org.uk | Operations Manager Lt Col (Retd) Steve Davis s.davis@britisharmysport.com
Assistant Operations Manager Mr Nick Hood nhood@britisharmysport.com
Finance Officer Mrs Lea Turkington lturkington@britisharmysport.com
Snow & Ice Magazine Editor Ms Jana Daniell sandimag@awsa.org.uk
E X E C U T I V E President Gen Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO ADC Gen contact via Operations Manager
C O M M I T T E E
Chair Maj Gen Joe Fossey OBE chair@awsa.org.uk
Chair
Vice Chair Col Graham Sefton vice-chair@awsa.org.uk
Secretary A L P I N E
Brig Craig Hanson CBE chair-alpine@awsa.org.uk
Lt Col Bee Smith alpine@awsa.org.uk B O B S L E I G H
Capt Tom Rees chair-bobsleigh@awsa.org.uk
Sgt Domonique Burge bobsleigh@awsa.org.uk C R E S T A
Lt Gen Tom Copinger-Symes CBE contact via Secretary Cresta
Maj Scott Pryor cresta@awsa.org.uk L U G E
Capt Nathanael Jackson chair-luge@awsa.org.uk
Cpl Steve Webb luge@awsa.org.uk N O R D I C
Brig Chris Coton chair-nordic@awsa.org.uk
Maj Andrew Miller nordic@awsa.org.uk S K E L E T O N
Capt Arran Holmes chair-skeleton@awsa.org.uk
Capt Luke Thornes skeleton@awsa.org.uk S K I M O
Lt Col Tom Blankenstein chair-skimo@awsa.org.uk
Col Louise Green skimo@awsa.org.uk S N O W B O A R D
Brig Karl Harris CBE chair-snowboard@awsa.org.uk
Maj Alexander O’Neill snowboard@awsa.org.uk T E L E M A R K
Col Sam Stuthridge OBE chair-telemark@awsa.org.uk 3
Lt Col Mike James telemark@awsa.org.uk
SEASON EVENTS 2026 - 2027 Event
Name
Location
Dates
ALPINE Qualifying Championships 1
Ex SPARTAN HIKE
Serre Chevalier, FRA
9 - 19 Jan 27
Qualifying Championships 2
Ex PIPEDOWN
Les Contamines, FRA
9 - 19 Jan 27
Army Alpine Championships
Ex LION’S CHALLENGE
Serre Chevalier, FRA
19 - 29 Jan 27
Inter Service Championships
ISSSC
Méribel, FRA
30 Jan - 6 Feb 27
NORDIC Qualifying Championships 1
Ex SPARTAN HIKE
Serre Chevalier, FRA
9 - 19 Jan 27
Qualifying Championships 2
Ex PIPEDOWN
Les Contamines, FRA
9 - 19 Jan 27
Army/Nat/IS Championships
Ex RUCKSACK
Ruhpolding, GER
20 Jan - 6 Feb 27
Serre Chevalier, FRA
16 - 30 Jan 27
SKIMO Army Skimo Championships
Ex Skimo WARRIOR
S N OW B OA R D Army Snowboard Championships EX SNOW JACK
Stubai, AUT
16 - 30 Jan 27
Inter Service Championships
Méribel, FRA
30 Jan - 6 Feb 27
ISSSC
TELEMARK Army Telemark Championships
Ex TELEMARK TITAN
Pralognan-la-Vanoise, FRA
4 - 15 Jan 27
Inter Service Championships
ISSSC
Méribel, FRA
30 Jan - 6 Feb 27
ICE SPORTS (BOBSLEIGH, LUGE & SKELETON) Army Ice Camp
Ex RACING ICE I
Lillehammer, NOR
25 Oct - 7 Nov 26
Army Ice Championships
Ex RACING ICE II
Igls, AT
13 - 27 Jan 27
Inter Service Championships
ISISC
Igls, AT
16 - 28 Feb 27
C R E S TA
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Army Junction Championship
17/21 Lancers Cup
St Moritz, CHE
7 Jan 27
Army Top Championship
Scots Guards Cup
St Moritz, CHE
25 Jan 27
Inter Service Championship
Prince Phillip Trophy
St Moritz, CHE
27 Jan 27
CHAIR’S foreword
As Army Winter Sports Association approaches its 80th anniversary, this edition of Snow & Ice provides an opportunity to reflect on an extraordinary legacy whilst looking forward with confidence to the future. Since 1947, generations of soldiers have taken to the mountains, slopes, tracks and trails in pursuit of challenge, adventure and excellence. What began in the aftermath of the Second World War has grown into one of the Army's most enduring success stories, developing thousands of men and women who have returned to their units with greater confidence, resilience, leadership and self-belief. That remains the enduring value of Army Winter Sports today. Whilst the medals, championships and remarkable sporting achievements rightly deserve recognition, our greatest success has always been the people we develop. Every year, soldiers arrive at a Corps camp unsure of what lies ahead, often experiencing snow or ice for the first time. Many leave having discovered new skills, new friendships and a renewed understanding of what they are capable of achieving. Others progress to represent the Army, the United Kingdom and, in some cases, the very highest levels of international competition. All return stronger for the experience. The mountain environment has a unique ability to reveal character. It demands courage when facing uncertainty, judgement when conditions deteriorate and teamwork when success depends upon those around you. These are attributes that matter deeply in military service and help explain why the impact of winter sport extends far beyond the slopes. Army Winter Sports continue to produce adaptable leaders, cohesive teams and individuals willing to push beyond perceived limits in pursuit of a common goal. As we celebrate 80 years of Army Winter Sports, it is fitting to recognise that none of this happens by accident. Behind every competition, training camp and championship stands a wonderful community of volunteers, coaches, officials and organisers. x 7
Their commitment, often delivered alongside demanding military and civilian careers, is the foundation upon which our Association is built. My sincere thanks go to each and every one of you, as well as to our sponsors, supporters and the wider Army Sport family, whose continued investment enables these opportunities to flourish. The articles that follow capture the breadth and spirit of our community. They tell stories of achievement and adversity, of newcomers becoming enthusiasts, competitors becoming leaders and individuals discovering capabilities they never knew they possessed. As Chair, I am immensely proud of what the Army Winter Sports Association continues to achieve. Nearly eighty years on, our purpose remains unchanged: to develop people through challenge, foster lifelong friendships and strengthen the Army through exceptional experiences in demanding environments. I hope you enjoy this edition of Snow & Ice. Most importantly, I hope it inspires the next generation to step forward and become part of the remarkable story that has been unfolding for almost eight decades.
Major General Joe Fossey OBE Chair, Army Winter Sports Association
A L P I N E Ex LION’S CHALLENGE
ALPINE
Ex LION’S CHALLENGE by Lt Col Bee Smith R Sigs Secretary Army Alpine
C
ompetition was tough at both Qualifying Championships this year, and the fight for the 100 places at Ex LION’S CHALLENGE (Ex LC) was fierce. Far from being a simple process of drawing a line at a certain point on the seed list, many other factors come into play. Paramount is the fact that the Army Championships are still an Inter Unit competition, so securing teams of four from individual units is a priority. This brings in the ‘fourth person’ rule, which allows the fourth-placed skier in a team to be selected ahead of those who finish higher on the seed list. Secondly, availability. Unless lucky enough to be cleared for the whole season, finding the extra time to attend another 10 days of racing (with the possibility of going on to ISSSC) sometimes means a decision has to be made by our 1* Chair, Brig Craig Hanson. The Army forecast of events takes priority, and with it, sadly, the availability of a few of the qualifiers. As a result, the line is drawn a little lower. Thirdly, we need to ensure that there are enough female competitors to select an Army Team of seven at the end of Ex LC. This means carefully balancing ability and experience against the increased demands of the Army Championships. 9
Lastly, there may be previous Army Team members who have had what is widely known as ‘a shocker’ at the QCs and failed to complete some races, pushing them down the seed list to the point where they do not qualify. Again, a conversation needs to be had about each individual: will they pull it out of the bag at the Army Championships, or is it time to allow new blood through? In the end, 17 female competitors were selected, representing all 11 competing cap badges for the first time. A further 84 men were selected, bringing the total registered for the Army Championships to 101.
A great 10 days then followed, with the technical events in Chantemerle and the speed events taking place over on the Clot Gauthier piste in Villeneuve. As well as course inspections, racing, ski preparation, meetings and course maintenance, our racers also had a busy schedule of events with our generous sponsors and the VIPs charged with hosting them. The first Friday saw the popular torchlit descent of the Piste Luc Alphand, the iconic Olympic downhill run leading straight into the heart of the village. This was an incredible spectacle, accompanied by rousing military marches booming across the village and punctuated by an amazing display of fireworks set to more military music. It was a great reception for the sponsors, who had arrived that day and m
watched from the village with vin chaud in hand.
On top of this, we continued our chalet suppers, where sponsors dine in a chalet with a team. The team cooks, and it is a very popular activity, allowing sponsors to talk to and understand the people they are supporting, while the soldiers get to spin dits and compete with each other in a ‘Come Dine with Me’ style! Tales of ever more extravagant feasts have become folklore throughout Ex LC. The Team Captains’ Cocktail Party was extra special this year, as the Team Captains of the Men’s and Women’s Army Teams were announced by our President, General Sir Roly Walker. The President’s Race is another hotly anticipated event, not least by the significant number of ex-Army, ex-racer sponsors, for whom it is a chance to relive their racing days. The course and gates become purely advisory as a vast array of racing tucks and racing snowploughs makes its way down the lower part of La Draye in a dual slalom. Then it is all into the Café Soleil for pizza and drinks, followed by the keenly anticipated results and prizes. Ex LC would not be the event and spectacle it is without the generous sponsorship we receive. With the racers, committee, sponsors and VIPs all living in one village, it makes for an amazing collaboration of competition, challenge and friendship.
ALPINE
FAST, FEARLESS AND FIGHTING FOR EVERY SECOND FIRST TIME ON THE ARMY ALPINE SKI TEAM
by Capt Will Hall RHA
J
anuary saw the return of Ex LION’S CHALLENGE to the slopes of Serre Chevalier for 10 days of challenging competition, with 101 of the Army’s top Alpine skiers competing for a chance to earn a red jumper and the opportunity to represent the Army in Méribel at the Inter Service Snow Sports Championships (ISSSC). With a mixture of returning racers and talented newcomers, competition for places on the Women’s Team was incredibly fierce at Ex LION’S CHALLENGE (Ex LC), leaving Capt Imogen Bird RE, who was invited to lead the team for a second year in a row, with the tough task of selection. Pte Isla Jackson PWRR returned as Vice Captain, along with mmmm
Capt Amanda Herring RAMS and Capt Ellie Thorn R Signals, who brought their experience from last year’s success at ISSSC to the team. The remaining places on the Women’s Team went to newcomers Capt Lou Tunnicliff R Signals, Lt Isabella Mackenzie QDG and Lt Abigail Binnington Int Corps, who each impressed with their consistency and speed across the different disciplines. On the men’s side, selection for the Army Team was wide open, with very few previous team members available this season, leaving the door open for plenty of newcomers. Capt Eliot Canham SG was invited to lead the team, with WO2 Dan Orton REME as Vice Captain, making an epic return to Alpine racing after several seasons away. LCpl Ally Poll PARA was the only other mmmmmmmmm
previous Army Team member selected this year, reinforcing his pedigree by winning the Downhill convincingly at Serre Chevalier. LCpl Niall Flannery RLC was a sure pick as he progressed towards being crowned Overall Champion at the Army Championships. He was joined by Capt Ed Harborne GG, Capt Will Hall RA, Bdr Mark Birkett RA, LCpl Ryan Cook Rifles and Pte Callum Ryland RAMS, who each represented the Army for the first time. Honourable mentions must go to previous members of the Army Team, Sgt Holly Lake REME and LCpl Ben Latham Rifles, both of whom sustained season-ending injuries during the Army Championships. We wish them a healthy recovery and look forward to their return to competition next season. After making the move across to Méribel, the team was joined by Army coaches WO2 John McClelland and Maj Tessa Pirie, whose wealth of experience would be vital over the coming week. The team was immediately thrown into inspecting the mmmm
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ALPINE
Downhill course, which was an intimidating prospect for those competing at their first Inter Services. However, with several inspections and training runs under their belts, and a few broken skis along the way, the team was ready to face the course on race day. The women took to the Downhill course first, amid what can only be described as challenging conditions for a speed race, as snowfall limited visibility and gusts of wind made a good tuck position even more important. With four skiers in the top 10, they secured second place overall. The weather did not improve for the men’s race, but it did not stop LCpl Poll from continuing his Downhill success and placing third overall. The men also secured second place in the team competition, despite some controversy surrounding ski regulations. The following day saw the Super G race take place and, fortunately, the sun was back out, making conditions much more pleasant for the racers. The women once again performed strongly, with four placing in the top 10 and securing second place overall, behind a very fast RAF team. On the men’s side, it was a less successful day, with the RAF and RN performing strongly across the board and a few mistakes proving costly for our team.
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Thursday saw the speed skis switched out for slalom, allowing the more technical skiers to come to the fore. Capt Amanda Herring narrowly missed out on a podium spot, being edged into fourth mmm
place as the RAF secured a third clean sweep. However, our women held off the RN to maintain second place, despite coming under pressure following some unfortunate falls in the first run. For the men, the day was one to forget, as the tough course set claimed three of the six racers, meaning the team result was lost. The evening saw the introduction of the Parallel Slalom to Alpine, an exciting and thrilling event involving a knockout competition in which two racers charged down parallel courses featuring gates and a jump until only one winner remained. Lt Abigail Binnington and Capt Ellie Thorn progressed all the way to the semi-finals before facing off against each other for third place, which Lt Binnington claimed. For the men, Capt Ed Harborne and LCpl Ally Poll both made it through to the quarter-finals before being knocked out. The final day saw the Giant Slalom take place, with the team feeling they had a point to prove. WO2 McClelland fired the team up even more with an inspiring speech before the racers attacked the first run. The weather had changed again overnight, leaving the piste covered in fresh snow and visibility remaining poor. Bad news for the RAF and RN! The mmm
women once again performed strongly but were just unable to unseat the RAF team, which had been on top form all week, finishing second overall. In contrast, the poor conditions unsettled some of the top racers in the RAF and RN Men’s Teams. Combined with strong performances from our men, who were more comfortable racing in arduous conditions, this meant the team was in contention for first place after the first run. Stellar second runs saw WO2 Dan Orton claim second place overall, with LCpl Poll, Capt Hall and Capt Canham finishing fourth, fifth and seventh respectively. This meant the men were crowned Giant Slalom Champions. Further success came when LCpl Niall Flannery won the award for Best Male Newcomer at the final prize giving. In addition, both Capt Imogen Bird and LCpl Ally Poll were selected to go on to represent the UK Armed Forces (UKAF) Team at the British Championships later this year, an incredible and well deserved achievement. The 2026 Army Team is grateful for the support of its sponsors, management and coaches and looks forward to building on these results again next season.
ALPINE
THE JOURNEY TO THE BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS A
by Capt Imogen Bird RE
s a keen skier who was fortunate to grow up skiing with my family, I jumped at the opportunity, as a newly appointed Troop Commander, to captain my regimental team on Ex ALPINE SAPPER 23, the Royal Engineers Corps Alpine Ski Racing Camp. Ski racing was entirely new to me, but after four weeks of training in the gates on the Stubai Glacier, I was sold. I went on to compete at both the Army Qualifying races and the Army Championships in Serre Chevalier, where my ability and love for racing continued to grow. As a junior 2Lt, the experience developed not only my skiing but also my leadership skills. Deploying and managing a small team provided valuable lessons that helped me understand wider Army functions and processes whilst shaping my leadership style. At the Army Championships, I was proud to finish third overall in the Women’s Combined and honoured to be selected for the Army Team to compete at the Inter Service Snow Sports Championships in my first year of racing. Determined to find a way to return for another season and keen to play a greater role within the alpine community, I took on the appointment of Corps Secretary for Royal Engineers Alpine Skiing. This role enabled me to plan, deliver and compete on Ex ALPINE SAPPER 24 before returning to Serre Chevalier for the Army competitions. mmmmm
Following a series of strong and consistent performances, I was honoured to be appointed Army Women’s Captain. Working closely with the AWSA committee and coaches, I helped select and prepare the team for the Inter Service Snow Sports Championships in Méribel. I was immensely proud of the team’s performance as we dominated the competition, defeating both the Navy and the RAF to take home the sword. The 2025/26 season saw me spend an exceptional 13 weeks on snow, training and racing with the Army. In October, I deployed on Ex ALPINE MOMENTUM, a pre-season training camp on the Pitztal Glacier organised by the Alpine Committee. Aimed at Army-level athletes, the nine-day camp comprised intensive slalom and giant slalom training on challenging courses, often alongside national teams. This was complemented by ski-specific strength and conditioning sessions delivered daily by a PTI. The camp provided an excellent opportunity to re-enter the racing environment under high-level coaching and to train alongside Army Team members ahead of our Corps mmm
training camps and progression into the competition season. Appointed for a second consecutive year as Army Women’s Team Captain, I went on to compete at my third Inter Service Snow Sports Championships. Despite delivering consistent performances throughout the season, it still came as a considerable surprise and an honour to be selected to represent the UK Armed Forces at the British Alpine Championships in Santa Caterina, Italy. Competing at the British Alpine Ski Championships was a surreal and unforgettable experience. From applying for my FIS licence to standing at the start holding 210cm downhill skis, it was a significant step up from any racing I had experienced over the previous three years. The opportunity to race alongside and speak with professional athletes, some of whom had recently returned from the Olympics in Bormio, was remarkable. Many were equally interested and mmm
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ALPINE
impressed to hear about our journey, from learning to race within the Army to competing on a FIS-level course. The racing itself was demanding and humbling, but I am certain I will return to Army competition as a more confident and capable skier. The highlight of the championships was finishing third British female in the Super-G, competing against full-time professionals after only three years of racing. To put the m
Armed Forces on the podium is something I am immensely proud of. I have been incredibly fortunate during my first three years as a junior officer to benefit from the breadth of opportunities available through alpine ski racing. The funding secured by the AWSA, enabling extended periods on snow for soldiers and officers, is critical in ensuring the sport remains accessible to all. While perhaps not considered mm
traditional Army training, I firmly believe I am a better officer because of my time ski racing. Delivering large-scale overseas exercises with significant budgets has strengthened my planning and organisational skills, experience that many of my peers had not yet gained as a Lieutenant. I am more resilient, more confident and better equipped to manage risk and fear. Ultimately, I am a more effective leader.
BOBSLEIGH
BOBSLEIGH
Ex RACING ICE I Novice Training Camp
by Capt Luke Thornes RE Chair Army Bobsleigh
Army Championships
The Lillehammer Olympiaparken once again played host to the Army Ice Sports Novice Camps, seeing novice athletes try skeleton, luge and bobsleigh for the first time. Last year saw 24 new athletes take to the ice to challenge themselves in these demanding, high-octane sports.
Returning once again to Lillehammer, the Army Ice Sports Championships were held in the freezing Norwegian mountains. With temperatures reaching -20°C, the athletes arrived in the far north, ready to send it full speed down the ice once again.
Over the course of two weeks, athletes were introduced to all aspects of bobsleigh, from basic maintenance to piloting the sleds. Under the expert guidance of our experienced coaches and former athletes, the novices were given the opportunity to experience both braking and piloting, starting from the ‘Junior Start’ position two-thirds of the way up the track. This allowed the novices to understand the fundamental components of sliding, learning the basic steers that would see them safely to the bottom of the track.
The Army Bobsleigh Championships take place over a week, with athletes having four days to perfect their sliding skills prior to the competition day on the Friday. With coaching provided by former Olympian Tom De La Hunty, all athletes made great improvements throughout the week, with the focus being on improving both their start sprint and piloting skills.
By the conclusion of the exercise, all athletes had successfully demonstrated an understanding of the fundamentals of bobsleigh, with many expressing a desire to return in the future to compete. The athletes were also introduced to sprint drills and training sessions that they could incorporate into their training routines back in the UK, helping them remain physically fit and robust enough to return to the ice. All our novice camps are open to both Regulars and Reservists. If you would like to get involved, you can apply directly through the Army Winter Sports Association website. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram, where the team provides regular updates on Army Bobsleigh. We hope to see many of you on the ice next season!
On competition day, athletes’ combined times across two runs down the track determined the winners. Competition between the men was fierce, with multiple strong teams vying for the top spot. Ultimately, experience proved to be the vital factor, with Army Bobsleigh regulars Cpl Jonathan Brown and Capt Tom Rees taking the victory. The women’s race saw a dominant performance, with Bdr Sienna Wilkinson and SSgt Georgia Grossi comfortably taking the top spot. SSgt Grossi, who was in Lillehammer to compete in the Skeleton race, stepped in at the last minute to act as brakewoman for the pair, showing extraordinary resolve by switching her focus from skeleton to bobsleigh on the same day. This saw her take the Vinters Cup, which is awarded to the athlete who best represents the spirit of the Games. It was a great week of sliding, with a nail-biting competition acting as the culmination of a fantastic exercise. The full results are below:
RESULTS
As the end of each week approached, the coaches would assess the competency levels of each athlete before deeming them safe to slide from the top of the track. The first run from the top of a track is an experience that no athlete ever forgets, with a mixture of fear, excitement and adrenaline all playing on an athlete’s mind. This is where the coaching really starts to make a difference, with increased speed and G-forces adding extra pressure to the athletes. Speeds regularly exceeded 100km/h from the top, providing a high-octane thrill like no other.
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Ex RACING ICE II
WOMEN Champions – Pilot: Gnr Sienna Wilkinson & Brakewo Fastest Brakewoman – SSgt Georgia Grossi
MEN Champions – Pilot: Cpl Jonathan Brown & Brakeman Runners-Up – Pilot: Lt Iain Barrowman & Brakeman Novice Champions – Pilot: Lt Iain Barrowman & Brak Fastest Brakeman – Capt Tom Rees
BOBSLEIGH
oman: SSgt Georgia Grossi
n: Capt Tom Rees n: Pte Nti Osie keman: Pte Nti Osie
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BOBSLEIGH
Ex RACING ICE III
Inter Service Ice Sports Championships by Pte Mica Moore The Inter Service Ice Sports Championships returned to the iconic Lillehammer track in Norway, bringing together athletes from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force for another fiercely contested competition. The Championships were hosted at the historic Lillehammer Olympic Sliding Centre, a venue built for the 1994 Winter Olympic Games and renowned for providing a challenging test for pilots and crews. Across both competitions, there were encouraging performances and clear progression from the Army’s novice pilots, alongside fantastic runs from experienced Inter Service representatives Jonathon Brown, Sally Barrett and Sienna Wilkinson. In the women’s competition, the Army took the overall title, ahead of the Royal Navy in silver and the RAF in bronze. Mica Moore and Kewe King were crowned Inter Service Champions, with Kewe also taking the title of Fastest Brakewoman, a fantastic achievement against strong competition from the other services. The RAF claimed the Men’s Team title, with the Army taking silver and the Royal Navy bronze. However, Nick Gleeson and Tom Harris retained their individual Inter Service titles for an impressive fourth consecutive year, highlighting their dedication and exceptional skill within the sport.
RESULTS
Overall, the entire Army Bobsleigh Team demonstrated their commitment and professionalism, with their hard work paying off in outstanding results. Attention will now turn to next season, when the Women’s Team will aim to retain the overall title and the Men’s Team will look to topple the RAF!
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WOMEN Army 1st Navy 2nd RAF 3rd
1st 2nd 3rd
MEN RAF Army Navy
2026 Winter Olympic Games Cortina, Italy
This year saw Army Bobsleigh’s very own Pte Mica Moore deliver a standout performance on the international stage while representing Jamaica. As a result of her hard work, commitment and genuinely world-class performances throughout the international Monobob season, Pte Moore qualified for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, placing her among the world’s elite bobsleigh athletes. During the opening ceremony, Pte Moore was given the honour of being the flag bearer for the Jamaican team, joining an illustrious group of athletes who have carried their nation’s flag on the world’s greatest sporting stage. At the Olympic Winter Games, Pte Moore secured 14th place overall, setting a new Jamaican women’s record at the Winter Games and equalling the previous men’s record.
LUGE
LUGE by Cpl Steve Webb RTR Secretary Army Luge
For the uninitiated, luge is the fastest sport on ice. Athletes routinely exceed speeds of 100km/h as they navigate the twists and turns of a narrow ice track aboard a sled with no brakes, relying on the slightest movements to find the perfect racing line. In a sport where results are decided to the thousandth of a second, success requires exceptional technical precision, physical conditioning and mental focus. Even the smallest mistake is often punished by a harsh encounter with an unforgiving ice-covered wall. The Army luge season is traditionally split across three Racing Ice (RI) exercises, delivered alongside the Army's bobsleigh and skeleton programmes. RI1 serves as a novice introduction camp, RI2 hosts the Army Championships, and RI3 provides build-up training for the Inter Service Ice Sports mm
Ex RACING ICE I Novice Training Camp
Ex Racing Ice 1 introduces soldiers to a sport with an exceptionally steep learning curve. Most participants have never seen a luge track or sled outside Olympic broadcasts. Within hours of arriving in Norway, they are measured for sleds, issued equipment and taken to the track to learn the fundamentals of steering and track craft, all in preparation for their first runs the following day. Despite the challenges, the exercise proved highly successful. Although there were the inevitable bumps and bruises associated with learning a highspeed winter sport, the majority of novice athletes progressed up the track, completed the course from increasingly challenging start heights and earned invitations to compete at the Army Championships.
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The exercise also provided an opportunity to identify and develop emerging talent within the mm
Championships (ISISC), alongside the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. This season, all three exercises took place at the Lillehammer Olympic Bob and Luge Track in Norway, the host venue for the 1994 Winter Olympic Games. For the Luge Team, preparations began well before the ice season with a summer maintenance camp at our storage facility in Bicester. The aim was to overhaul and service our fleet of more than 20 sleds. With the support of world-class sled technician Maciej Kurowski and Army coach Ray Thompson, this objective was successfully achieved. The camp also provided valuable opportunities for Army athletes to develop their own technical knowledge, contributing to a positive shift in equipment care and maintenance culture throughout the squad. Army Team. Of particular note was Cpl Scott Pearson RAMS, who joined us for the second week following an international training camp. Over the course of the week, he progressed to sliding from the Men's Start height, an achievement that no other current Service athlete has reached.
LUGE
Ex RACING ICE II Army Championships
In January 2026, we returned to Lillehammer for Ex Racing Ice 2 and the Army Luge Championships. The field comprised a balanced mix of male and female soldiers and officers from across the Army, with competitors ranging from complete novices to experienced athletes. Unfortunately, operational commitments prevented some of the promising athletes from Ex Racing Ice 1 from returning to compete. While disappointing, this reflects the realities of military service, and we look forward to welcoming them back in future seasons. The championship week consisted of four days of training, enabling athletes to progress safely to race height, a significant accomplishment for many of the less experienced competitors, followed by race day itself. This year, a new competition format was trialled, allowing athletes three runs, with their slowest time discarded. The format created close and exciting racing throughout the field. Following a number of tightly contested battles, the Army titles were claimed by Cpl Steve Webb RTR in the men's competition and Capt Lucy Wyatt RE in the women's category. Special recognition should also go to Tpr Ben Wilson QRH, who volunteered at short notice to support the exercise. Throughout the week, he consistently exceeded expectations and played a key role in the successful delivery of the event.
Ex RACING ICE III
Inter Service Ice Sports Championships February saw the Army return to Lillehammer once again, joining the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force for the Inter Service Ice Sports Championships 2026. This year, we were fortunate to be coached once more by Maciej Kurowski, fresh from coaching Team Korea at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The Championships are conducted over two weeks, with the first dedicated to individual Service training programmes before coming under UKAF control for the second week. All preparation culminates in two days of Championship racing at the end of the exercise. The Army fielded a strong team comprising both experienced and developing athletes. Throughout training, they kept the reigning RAF champions under pressure, with every Army athlete achieving personal best performances and meeting individual development goals. When race day arrived, the Army was firmly in contention for overall victory. Outstanding performances included Capt Lucy Wyatt RE, who secured victory in the women's competition, and Cpl Scott Pearson RAMS, who achieved second place in the men's event. Despite a determined effort from every member of the team, the Army was narrowly beaten by the RAF in the battle for the Overall Championship title.
RESULTS Female Champion – Capt Lucy Wyatt RE Female Runner-Up – Lt Jasmine Dunn AGC(ETS) Male Champion – Cpl Steve Webb RTR Male Runner-Up – Cpl Scott Pearson RAMS Novice Champion – Lt Jasmine Dunn AGC(ETS)
RESULTS TEAMS 1st – RAF 2nd – Army 3rd – Navy WOMEN Champion – Capt Lucy Wyatt (Army) Runner-Up – Cpl Elisabeth Coates (RAF) 3rd – Cpl Alisia Dermidy (RAF) MEN Champion – Fg Off Luke Farrar (RAF) Runner-Up – Cpl Scott Pearson (Army) 3rd – Flt Lt Danny Burke (RAF)
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LUGE
This was not the season we originally anticipated. With all three exercises ultimately taking place in Lillehammer, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the track management team for accommodating us at short notice and enabling the season to go ahead successfully. The season also saw personnel changes across the management of all three Service Luge Teams, generating valuable discussion around innovation and the future direction of the sport. These conversations have continued into the off-season and should help ensure the sport continues to mmm
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evolve while maintaining the close and competitive environment that makes service luge so rewarding. Finally, this season marked the first without long-serving Secretary Luge and all-round Ice Sports wizard WO2 Graham Holmes. On behalf of the Army Luge Team, I would like to publicly thank Graham for his dedication and commitment over more than 25 years of involvement in the sport. His contribution has left a lasting impact on countless athletes and administrators alike. We wish him and his Alfa every success and happiness in retirement.
SKIMO
SKIMO
THE BRITISH ARMY'S NEWEST WINTER SPORT TAKES TO THE MOUNTAINS
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by Lt Col Tom Blankenstein RAMS
026 marked a milestone for British Army winter sports, with ski mountaineering (Skimo) recognised as the newest and 9th official Army winter sport. Following its debut at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, Skimo is gaining momentum both internationally and within the Armed Forces. But what exactly does it involve, and why should you get involved?
Skimo racing encompasses several disciplines, including sprint, vertical and individual races, all three of which featured at the inaugural 2026 Army Championships. Team racing also plays a significant role in the sport, with competitors racing in teams of two or three over courses of varying lengths and technical difficulty.
Ski mountaineering racing, commonly known as Skimo, combines the endurance of Nordic skiing with the technical downhill skills of Alpine skiing. Competitors race uphill on lightweight touring skis, using climbing skins for grip, before transitioning rapidly to downhill skiing. Courses can also include steep sections tackled on foot, with skis strapped to competitors' packs.
For military personnel, the appeal extends well beyond competition. Skimo develops physical and mental resilience, endurance, teamwork and the ability to make decisions under pressure. Operating efficiently in demanding mountain environments, often in challenging weather and terrain, has clear parallels with the skills required on military operations.
Ex SKIMO WARRIOR 26
across the disciplines.
Two major exercises provided opportunities for UK Armed Forces personnel to train and compete in 2026: Ex Skimo WARRIOR in Serre Chevalier, in the southern French Alps, and Ex Skimo PATROL 26 in Switzerland.
First up was the vertical race: a lung-busting 2.8km uphill course, gaining approximately 700m in elevation above Monêtier-les-Bains. Held at dusk, with heavy snow falling across the resort, the race provided a demanding opening challenge as athletes battled both the gradient and the conditions.
Army Championships
Ex Skimo WARRIOR was conducted over two weeks, combining a progressive training package with the inaugural Army Skimo Championships. The first phase introduced competitors to the essential skills of Skimo racing. Training included speed touring in the French Alpine backcountry, off-piste skiing, efficient uphill movement, boot-packing, rapid skin transitions and race tactics. The emphasis was on developing the technical skills and confidence required to move quickly and safely through challenging mountain terrain.
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The result is a physically demanding, fast-paced sport that tests endurance, technical ability and tactical decision-making.
The exercise culminated in three days of championship racing, with competitors tested mmm
vertical,
sprint
and
individual
SKIMO
The following day brought the Sprint Championships. Competitors first raced against the clock to qualify before progressing into four-person knockout heats. Short, explosive and technically demanding, sprint racing rewards not only raw fitness but also rapid transitions, precision and the ability to perform under pressure. The competition culminated in the crowning of the Army Men's and Women's Sprint Champions. The finale was the individual race, arguably the toughest test of the championships. Covering 13km with 1,100m of ascent, the course combined mmmm
Ex SKIMO PATROL 26 The Patrouille des Glaciers Race
The second major event of the season took place in April, when Ex Skimo PATROL 26 prepared UK military teams for one of the most prestigious and demanding ski mountaineering races in the world: the Patrouille des Glaciers (PdG). The exercise followed a similar format to Ex Skimo WARRIOR, with a dedicated training phase focused on the additional technical skills required for racing in high-altitude glaciated terrain. This included roped team skiing, glacier travel and the development of the coordination and efficiency needed to race as a three-person patrol.
sustained uphill efforts with challenging technical descents. An overnight snowfall of approximately 60cm transformed the mountain, leaving competitors battling deep powder and difficult skiing conditions around the side pistes of Monêtier. It was a fitting conclusion to the Army's first Skimo Championships, demanding a combination of endurance, technical skiing ability and determination from every competitor. Maj Mel Rix from the Royal Engineers took the overall women's title, while OCdt Fergus Wood RAMS took the overall men's title for 2026.
The PdG has deep military roots, originating in 1943 as a test of the operational readiness and endurance of Swiss Army mountain troops. Today, the event is organised by the Swiss Armed Forces every two years and attracts both military and civilian competitors from around the world. The full race is an extraordinary undertaking. Starting in Zermatt and finishing in Verbier, the course covers 57.5km of high alpine terrain, with approximately 4,400m of ascent. Competitors must negotiate glaciers, steep climbs, technical descents and exposed mountain terrain, much of it in darkness. Among the most demanding sections is the descent from Tête Blanche towards Arolla, where teams must navigate challenging high-altitude terrain while managing fatigue and maintaining the discipline required for safe movement on glaciers while roped together. Success demands far more than physical fitness. Teams must operate as a cohesive patrol, maintaining communication, making sound decisions and working together throughout the race. It is a formidable test of endurance, mountain skills and teamwork. All six UK military teams competing in the 2026 event successfully completed the race, including an all-female Army Team. This represented a significant achievement and demonstrated the growing strength and depth of Skimo within the British military. 24
SKIMO
LOOKING AHEAD Ex SKIMO WARRIOR 27
Following the success of the inaugural Army Championships, Ex Skimo WARRIOR will return to Serre Chevalier from 16 to 30 January 2027. The exercise will once again provide opportunities for both experienced competitors and those looking to develop their skills in this rapidly growing sport. A progressive training package will culminate in the Army Skimo Championships, with athletes competing across the sprint, vertical and individual disciplines.
Given the technical nature of the sport and the demanding environments in which competitors operate, attendees should have completed Ski Foundation Level 3 (SF3). Skimo offers a unique opportunity to combine high-performance competitive sport with the development of skills directly relevant to military service. Whether you come from an alpine, nordic, ski touring or endurance sports background, the Army Skimo community is looking for fit, motivated personnel ready to embrace the challenge. If you have the fitness, determination and appetite for the mountains, Skimo could be your next winter sporting challenge.
SNOWBOARD
SNOWBOARD Seeing Snow Sports from the Other Side of the Fence
Did the training programme work? Were the conditions suitable? These are reasonable expectations, but what I have learned is that every one of those outcomes is the result of months of planning, coordination and problem-solving. to make possible.
by Sgt Paul Crawshaw Army Snowboard Committee
opportunities
or most of my time in Army snowboarding, my focus was simple: turn up, train hard, compete hard and make the most of every opportunity that military sport provided. Like many riders, I saw the final product: the training camps, the competitions, the transport, the accommodation, the lift passes and everything else that allowed us to get on the mountain and do what we love.
The transition has been an interesting one. Having spent years looking at exercises and events through the lens of an athlete, I now find myself looking at them from the perspective of an organiser. It has certainly changed my view of how snow sports operate and, perhaps more importantly, of the immense amount of work that takes place long before the first snowboard is strapped in at the top of a lift. Every decision has the potential to affect hundreds of participants.
It is only recently, having made the move from rider to committee member, that I have gained a real appreciation for what happens behind the scenes
As riders, we often judge an exercise by what we experience on the ground. Was the accommodation good? Were the transport arrangements smooth?
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those
The reality is that overseas snow sports exercises are complex operations. They involve dealing with foreign resorts, accommodation providers, transport agencies, insurance requirements, competition organisers and a host of military administrative processes. None of it happens by accident. As one of the more junior members of the committee, that responsibility can be eyeopening. While senior committee members provide guidance based on doctrine, there is still an expectation that you deliver your part of the plan. Whether that means coordinating transport, liaising with accommodation providers or managing specific administrative requirements, there is a real sense that people are relying on you to get it right.
SNOWBOARD
The challenge is amplified when operating overseas. Working with contractors and suppliers across Europe often means dealing with different business practices, languages, legal requirements and timelines. Communication becomes absolutely critical. One thing I have learned is that relationships matter. Good working relationships with resort managers, accommodation owners and transport providers can make an enormous difference when issues inevitably arise. No exercise ever runs perfectly, and there will always be challenges. Weather changes and last-minute adjustments are part of operating in the mountains. The ability to work collaboratively with trusted partners often determines how smoothly those issues are resolved.
The experience has given me a much greater appreciation for the judgement calls organisers make. As riders, it is easy to question why certain decisions are taken. From the committee side, you begin to see the wider picture. Decisions are rarely made in isolation. Safety considerations, financial implications and duty-of-care responsibilities all influence the final outcome. Working within the committee has given me a new respect for the volunteers and organisers who have delivered snow sports for years. Many things participants take for granted are only possible because of countless hours of work outside normal duties. Emails, meetings, financial planning, contractor negotiations and risk management rarely attract mmmm
attention, but they form the foundation of every successful exercise. Making the transition from rider to committee member has not diminished my passion for snowboarding. If anything, it has strengthened it. Seeing the effort that goes into creating these opportunities has given me an even greater appreciation for the community that supports our sport. From the athletes and coaches to the organisers and contractors, everyone plays a role. The view from the committee side may be different, but the objective remains the same: delivering outstanding snow sports experiences that allow people to challenge themselves, develop their skills and, above all, enjoy being in the mountains. 28
TELEMARK
TELEMARK EX TELEMARK TITAN
by Lt Col Mike James RGR Secretary Army Telemark
Army Championships
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Nestled in the heart of the Vanoise National Park beneath the imposing peaks surrounding Grande Casse, PLV offers a very different experience from many purpose-built resorts. Competitors regularly spotted ibex, chamois, mountain hares and even bearded vultures while training and racing. Combined with its traditional Savoyard character, year-round community and authentic alpine culture, PLV once again proved an exceptional venue for Army Telemark. 31
WHY TELEMARK?
rom 5 to 16 January 2026, 72 competitors descended on Pralognan-la-Vanoise (PLV), deep in the French Alps, for Exercise TELEMARK TITAN 2026 (Ex TT26), the British Army Telemark Ski Championships. Combining intensive training, technical development and fiercely contested racing, the championships once again demonstrated why telemark remains one of the Army’s most unique and rewarding winter sports.
The Championships are open to all serving Regular, Reserve and UOTC personnel. One of telemark’s greatest strengths is its accessibility: competitors can attend as individuals without requiring a full team, making it particularly attractive to Reservists, staff officers and those serving away from larger units. Participation continues to grow. This year, women accounted for approximately one-third of all
Army Telemark is far more than a race discipline. It embodies challenge, progression and the soldiering spirit. Whether an experienced racer, an accomplished alpine skier seeking a new challenge, or someone looking to broaden their mountain skills, telemark rewards resilience, determination and a willingness to learn. Unlike alpine skiing, telemark uses a free-heel binding, meaning every turn demands balance, strength and coordination. Combining the carving precision of alpine skiing with the flowing movement of Nordic skiing, telemark requires constant engagement, and more than a little lunging. For many experienced alpine skiers, telemark provides a welcome reset. Familiar pistes suddenly become opportunities to master a new technique rather than simply ski faster or tackle steeper terrain. The discipline develops balance, edge control, independent leg movement and body awareness, all of which transfer directly back into alpine skiing. Although the learning curve can be steep, the rewards are significant. Progress feels genuinely earned, and participants become part of a close-knit community renowned for its enthusiasm, encouragement and camaraderie.
TELEMARK
competitors, making telemark one of the winter sports with the strongest female representation within Defence. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that the discipline did not field a dedicated Army female team until 2024. The Royal Engineers continued their strong tradition in the sport under Capt Ben Thom, while South West Officer Training Regiment (SWOTR) fielded another impressive contingent, including their Commanding Officer. The Royal Navy Telemark Team also attended, adding further competition on the slopes and good-natured rivalry off them. Perhaps most encouragingly, 40% of competitors had never telemarked before. This reflects both the welcoming nature of the discipline and the success of efforts to attract new participants through early publication of the DIN, social media engagement and the tireless work of the Team Captains. Championship racing centred on three disciplines: Giant Slalom (GS), Sprint and Classic. The Classic race remains the purest test of telemark skiing. Featuring a longer course, mandatory telemark turns, a jump, a 360-degree banked turn (the loom) and a skating section, it challenges competitors’ endurance, technical ability and tactical awareness. Sprint racing incorporates the same technical features but places greater emphasis on speed, precision and consistency. Across all races, competitors are judged not only on their time but also on the quality of their telemark technique and execution of key course features. The women’s competition belonged to Maj Lori Seed, who completed a clean sweep by winning all three championship races. OCdt Phoebe Garrett pushed her all the way, securing silver in every event, while the battle for third place provided some of the closest racing of the week. Capt Lexi Hankinson and OCdt Phoebe Foxley traded podium places throughout the championships, with Foxley ultimately securing the overall bronze medal. The men’s competition was equally impressive. Capt Ben Heaton was crowned Overall Champion after victories in the GS and Sprint, combined with a second place finish in the Classic. Capt Joe Richards delivered a consistently outstanding performance to secure second overall, highlighted by victory in the Classic. Maj Adam Smith completed the overall podium after a series of impressive performances across the championships.
One of the standout moments came from Lt Col Daz Howells, who, at 54 years old and in his final year of Army service, demonstrated that class is permanent by securing silver in the GS. The Development Classic gave newer telemarkers the opportunity to experience Championship racing on a modified version of the Classic course. For many participants, simply standing in the start gate represented a major achievement. The race provided an invaluable opportunity to put newly acquired skills into practice under competitive conditions. In the women’s event, OCdt Annabelle Vaughan claimed gold ahead of Lt Col Cressida McCarthy and Capt Rosalind Garfield-Barkworth. The men’s race saw Capt Martin Cavendish take victory, followed by Capt Stuart Parking and Sgt Scott Young. SWOTR dominated the Junior Competition, with OCdt Max Watkinson taking gold ahead of OCdt Phoebe Foxley and OCdt Isla Kotzenberg. Capt Matt Gorman was crowned Army Novice Champion and awarded the coveted Sawyer Dagger. The Royal Engineers secured the Corps Combination title, while SWOTR claimed the Unit Championship. LBdr Olivia Taylor RA received the Chair’s Prize in recognition of her efforts to establish and support a team from her unit. The final event of Ex TT26 was the Mountain Race, sponsored by Source. Designed to showcase the full versatility of telemark equipment, competitors ascended the mountain using climbing skins before racing back down against the clock. The event highlights telemark’s enduring relevance as a military mountain capability and remains one of the most demanding and enjoyable challenges of the championships. 24 Commando Royal Engineers demonstrated the value of Winter Commando experience by securing victory in the team competition. Lt Lily-Mae Fisher RN produced a superb performance to win the women’s race, with Col Fiona Scotter securing silver. The Army Telemark community was deeply saddened to learn later of Lt Fisher’s death in a helicopter accident. She embodied athleticism, determination and sportsmanship, and her loss is keenly felt across the winter sports community. 32
TELEMARK
INTER SERVICE SNOW SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS
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ollowing Ex TT26, the Army Teams moved to Méribel for Exercise TELEMARK ULLR and final preparations for the Inter Service Snow Sports Championships (ISSSC). Army Telemark legend Maj “Nobby” Clarke returned as coach, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. Capt Ellie Thorn demonstrated remarkable versatility by competing in both alpine and telemark disciplines, highlighting the strong crossover between the two sports. Capt Ben Heaton’s exceptional debut season was recognised with the ISSSC Best Newcomer award. The Royal Navy once again dominated the telemark podiums, demonstrating the benefits of continuity, long-term athlete development and increased time on snow, an approach the Army hopes to emulate in future seasons.
Powered by Passion, Driven by Progress Army Telemark extends its sincere thanks to the resort and community of PLV for hosting the Army Championships, the Army Winter Sports Association for its continued support, and the hill teams whose professionalism ensured safe and successful racing throughout the event. Special recognition goes to Lt Col Mike James, who combined the roles of Treasurer and Secretary while helping coordinate the championships behind the scenes. The Army Telemark community also welcomes incoming Vice Chair and recent telemark convert, Col Fiona Scotter. Col Scotter is kindly covering the role for the 2026/27 season due to the operational deployment of Brig Sam Stuthridge. Telemark remains one of the Army’s most inclusive, challenging and rewarding winter sports. Open to individuals and teams alike, it offers skiers of all abilities the opportunity to develop new skills, test themselves in demanding conditions and experience the mountains from a different perspective. With participation continuing to grow and newcomer numbers stronger than ever, the future of Army Telemark looks bright. For anyone who enjoys winter sport, relishes a challenge and wants to discover a new dimension of skiing, telemark may be exactly what they are looking for. 33
EX SPARTAN HIKE
EX SPARTAN HIKE
by Maj Ross M Anderson SCOTS DG Ex Controller
Ex SPARTAN HIKE 26 (SH26) was the 32nd combined Army Alpine and Nordic Qualifying Championships to be successfully delivered in Serre Chevalier. The venues and office are in the Serre Chevalier Valley in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, situated to the north-east of Écrins National Park in the French Alps. The ski area covers 1,013 acres of world-renowned slopes and is famous for its beautiful larch forests and authentic mountain villages. It provides a fantastic setting for the Alpine and Nordic competitions. To start with, thank you! In this increasingly busy period, with diverse commitments often arising at short notice, the ability of Commanding Officers and their CoC to release their SP either to support the delivery or to compete in SH26 is a challenge. Without this willingness to take risks and manage these additional commitments, it would not be worth contemplating the impact on winter sports! The delivery of SH26 is supported and enabled through HQs SJC (UK) and RC, the latter supporting winter sports delivery Pan-Army, which is and will remain a challenge in the current financial landscape. As we understand, strong professional and personal relationships remain central to the continued success of any exercise or deployment. As those who support delivery move on to meet changing work commitments and life priorities, new team members bring fresh perspectives and diverse ways of working. This natural turnover helps the exercise continue to evolve, strengthens delivery and ensures lessons are carried forward while new ideas are adopted.
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Generating the exercise staff is therefore always a concern, especially given the Army's tempo and commitments. Thankfully, through the combined efforts of the previous and current exercise staff, we filled all but two of the admin and discipline Hill Team roles. Notable changes included mmmmm
WO2 Jack Jackson not deploying, although he did support the deployment of the AWSA coach and freight plan from St Martins Plain. His ski boots were filled by WO2 Sam Imray as the Ex WO, and we welcomed SSgt Kev Brown as the Ex FSA. The Chiefs of Discipline were Lt Col Spook Spenlove-Brown for Alpine and, returning for Nordic, Maj Jen Price. Together, they brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to both disciplines, delivering high-level competitions. As we moved into December, there was some concern about the lack of early snow in the Alps. An email from the ESF in early January confirmed our concerns, which impacted the delivery of the Alpine speed events. The lack of snow depth meant that the installation of safety netting was not possible, and alternative events would be required. These successful alternative events are covered in the Alpine section later in this article. The SH Team arrived at La Maison du Bez on Thu 8 Jan, having stopped overnight in Reims and facing another difficult journey over the Col du Lautaret in near-whiteout conditions. After a warm welcome from Tina and her staff, we received the resort orientation and briefing that evening, with a focus on setting up the race office on Fri 9 Jan to deliver the SH Team registration on Sat 10 Jan. The Chiefs of Discipline also conducted their recces and confirmed their programmes with their French colleagues. This included checking conditions to ensure the safe delivery of the planned events, making Fri 9 Jan a busy and important day! Team registration on Sat 10 Jan involved some additional moving parts, including coaches and pantechs travelling overnight from St Martins Plain and Corps training concentrations. As a result, most Alpine competitors and their equipment arrived in Serre Chevalier, with the civilian coach drivers reaching the limit of their driving hours and looking for a comfy bed! Registration day concluded with a few individuals still missing due to vehicle issues, but my thanks go to all the Team Captains for their patience and planning!
EX SPARTAN HIKE
The next nine days of challenging Alpine and Nordic events are covered in the respective discipline sections! Chazelay again hosted the annual village reception on Wed 14 Jan, providing an opportunity for the entire SH Team to come together and strengthen both new and longstanding friendships. This remains a vital activity that underpins the strong relationship with Serre Chevalier, helping to build mutual understanding and bridge the subtle differences in culture and perspective. Its importance should not be underestimated. By fostering personal relationships and open communication, potential issues can be resolved quickly at the lowest level before they develop into more significant problems. We had the pleasure of welcoming Russ Nolan and Gary Kendall from Cloudhill Productions, who were contracted to capture the essence of winter sports from a competitor's and official's viewpoints. This highlights the challenges and training that winter sports provide, broadening and enhancing our SP's skill sets. The high-quality video they produced captures this and more. My personal thanks go to Russ and Gary for producing such a fantastic video. Why do we continue to support winter sports? See for yourself: Ex SH 26 video. The admin team was led by WO2 Sam Imray and SSgt Kev Brown, who were outstanding in the time they spent empowering and supporting the junior soldiers, ensuring they took advantage of the activities and cultural experiences available to them during the exercise. They achieved this while guarding weapons, counting ski jackets and bibs, and supporting the biathlon events. It was a valuable experience for any young soldier looking to broaden their military and cultural skills.
The Alpine Experience by Capt A Ellitsgaard McNaughtan RLC
The admin team comprised Sgt Gubby (Ex TM), Cpl Muir (Ex MT), Cpl Goodrick (SQMS), Gnr Stark (SQMS Staff), LCpl Nepali (I/C Armoury Guard), Cfn Dawson (Armoury Guard) and Pte Litchfield (Armoury Guard). Of note, we received additional support from 4 CS Bn REME and 150 Regt RLC, who supplied the pantech drivers. The success of Ex SH26 is the result of a strong, collaborative whole-team approach and relies on the continued excellent support of Serre Chevalier. The resort team, led by David Chabanal, Directeur Office de Tourisme, is supported throughout the planning and delivery by Daniela and Nadejda. Wider support comes from the ESF at Villeneuve and Monêtier, SCV, SIVM and CDA. On the hill, Fabrice, Joris and Pat supported Alpine, while Isabelle and Eddy led the experienced Nordic Team. These individuals represent just some of the many people who helped make Ex SH26 another successful Qualifying Championships. Ex SH26 ended with prize giving on Mon 19 Jan, bringing the community together to recognise the exercise winners, champions and wider successes. It also highlighted the value of Serre Chevalier's flexibility, which allows our SP to test themselves in Alpine and Nordic disciplines despite challenging conditions. My thanks go to the AWSA leadership team for their sustained effort and support. Finally, I would like to thank the Ex Director and Chief Alpine, Lt Col Spook Spenlove-Brown; Chief Nordic, Maj Jen Price; Ex WO, WO2 Sam Imray; Ex FSA, SSgt Kev Brown; and the wider SH Team. Their commitment to delivering high-level events in the safest environment is second to none! We look forward to the challenges of the 2026/27 season! Ex SPARTAN HIKE 2026 proved yet again to be an eventful Army Alpine Qualifying Championships in Serre Chevalier, beset by unfavourable snow conditions and the requirement to introduce a new championship race, the Parallel Slalom, in place of the speed events. The hill team arrived in Serre Chevalier following a large dump of snow, with hopes of excellent racing conditions. These expectations were quickly dashed by our local ESF friends, who informed us that, due to minimal snowfall and windy conditions at the start of the season, there was insufficient snow cover to facilitate races in our usual locations. Adapting quickly, the SPARTAN HIKE and ESF teams came up with a course of action to ensure that a challenging mmm
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EX SPARTAN HIKE
Championship could still take place. The Giant Slalom (GS) would now take place in Chantemerle (to the relief of some, this meant no longer having to grin and bear the cold in "the fridge" in Monêtier), and the speed events would have to be replaced by a new event, the Parallel Slalom. With a course of action in place, the competition started in traditional fashion with three days of competitive Giant Slalom racing, comprising seeding, followed by Individual GS and Team GS. In an exceptionally close Individual GS competition, Pte Callum Ryland (16 Med Regt) finished first, followed by Capt Harry Ashcroft (1 WG) in second place and LCpl Niall Flannery (1 RLC) in third. The fastest woman was Pte Isla Jackson (1 PWRR), the top junior was LCpl Dylan Allinson-Parr (R Sigs), and the highest-placed novice was LCpl Kieran Best (RTR). In the team competition, QRH proved to be the quickest team, with 16 Med Regt in second place, followed by 243 MMR. Following the GS events, the competition moved into its Slalom phase, with racers and hill teams transitioning across to Villeneuve. Two days of fierce technical racing followed, comprising Individual and Team Slalom (SL) events that focused on accuracy and precision across courses featuring multiple combinations, verticals and gates. In the individual competition, WO2 Dan Orton (REME A) secured first place, Pte Callum Ryland (16 Med Regt) came second, and Bdr Mark Birkett (1 RHA) placed third. The fastest woman was once again Pte Isla Jackson (1 PWRR), the best veteran was Sgt Simon Dean (39 Engr Regt), the fastest junior was Spr Findlay Macdonald (also 39 Engr Regt), and the highest-placed novice was LCpl Kieran Best (RTR). 16 Med Regt won the team race, followed by 1 WG. The competition would traditionally move into its speed phase at this point, with Super-G and Downhill races. However, due to safety concerns arising from insufficient snow on the infamous Clot Gauthier, this was not possible. Instead, the
Championship returned to Chantemerle for a faster "Open" GS before concluding with two days of a new championship race, the Parallel Slalom. The Parallel Slalom saw two racers compete simultaneously on parallel slalom courses in knockout rounds until only one winner remained. The results of the "Open" GS were as follows: WO2 Dan Orton (REME A) took first place, followed by LCpl Niall Flannery (1 RLC) in second, with Sgt Simon Dean (39 Engr Regt) taking third. The fastest woman was Pte Isla Jackson (1 PWRR), while the top junior was LCpl Dylan Allinson-Parr (R Sigs) and the top novice was LCpl Kieran Best (RTR). On day 1 of the Parallel Slalom, the bottom half of the competition took part, with LCpl Ryan Currie (6 RLC) taking first place and Gdsm Thomas Harvey (1 WG) a close second. The second day of the Parallel Slalom proved equally entertaining and competitive, with the top half of the competition taking to the slopes. Here, 1 RLC proved dominant, with first place going to LCpl Niall Flannery (1 RLC) and second place to Lt Oliver Lumbard (1 RLC). Our thanks go to everyone who makes these competitions possible. Particular thanks go to Major Ross Anderson, Exercise Controller, and his entire admin team. Without their dedicated work, the exercise simply could not take place. We are once again deeply grateful to the resort and to the local businesses whose support underpins the event. Our thanks also extend to the École du Ski Français (ESF) in Villeneuve for their remarkable flexibility and ingenuity, especially given the challenging snow conditions and the need to trial new championship races.
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EX SPARTAN HIKE
To the racers, thank you for your help, passion and boundless enthusiasm, and for bringing such an exceptional standard of skiing to this year's competition. Your commitment, determination and sportsmanship, both on and off the slopes, contribute to the success of the event. On behalf of the Chief Alpine, Lt Col Spook Spenlove-Brown, we offer special thanks to every member of the hill team. As volunteers, they bring invaluable experience and continuity to the exercise. We are especially grateful to Maj Jonny Gillespie, the Technical Delegate, for overseeing piste safety and compliance with the rules. Thanks also go to Maj Daz Thomas, WO2 Mike Roberts, Capt Jonny Buchanan, SSgt Dan Tirrell, SSgt Alfie Tomkins, and Maj James Kitson for his work on timings & calculations. A heartfelt thank you goes to Daniela, who coordinates with accommodation owners and keeps everything running smoothly, and to Tina and her team at Le Bez for hosting the officials once again. Finally, thank you to all participants in Ex SPARTAN HIKE 2026. We look forward to seeing you back on the slopes next year.
The Nordic Experience by Maj Jen Price, Chief Nordic
The Serre Chevalier Valley, nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and framed by the dramatic peaks of Écrins National Park, once again became home to the British Army’s Nordic skiers for Exercise SPARTAN HIKE 2026. As the largest resort in the Southern Alps, with over 1,000 acres of internationally renowned trails weaving through larch forests and historic mountain villages, it remains the perfect venue for our annual Qualifying Championships.
This season saw 145 athletes from 27 teams compete in the Nordic discipline across five challenging endurance races. As ever, the opportunity to introduce our people to an entirely new sport remained central, with novices making up 57% of the athletes taking part. Female representation was also strong, accounting for 28% of competitors, while junior competitors made up 20%. This year, the weather delivered in spectacular fashion. An Alps-wide snowstorm just three days before the competition laid down a much-needed heavy blanket of fresh snow, which was then locked in place by a spell of very cold temperatures and high winds. Although this made for seriously challenging travel conditions, the combination created an exceptional and, fortunately, well-timed snow base across the valley, ultimately providing near-perfect skiing conditions for the duration of the championships. Clear skies followed for the racing days, providing excellent visibility and firm, fast tracks for both the classic and biathlon events. The only disruption came during the Patrol Race preparation day, when the valley was once again hit by a full day of heavy snowfall. This set the stage for a demanding and memorable finale, particularly for those nominated to CASEVAC their Team Captain through soft snow! 38
EX SPARTAN HIKE
In terms of results, there were some excellent and highly consistent performances. In both the Men’s Classic and Biathlon Relay races, 17 P&M, 6 Regt RLC and 33 Engr Regt claimed the top spots. However, the podium was shaken up in the 10km Individual Cross-Country (XC) and 10km Biathlon Sprint, with the RTR moving into second place on both occasions. On the individual side, impressive performances came from Pte Oli Welsh (17 P&M), Cpl William Lewis (RTR), LCpl Watson Peel (42 Engr Regt) and, of course, the famous Sgt Vinny (the Flash) Fountain. The women’s competitions were similarly consistent, with REME women securing first place in every race, followed by 7 AD Gp and Oxford UOTC. Standout performances came from athletes in these teams: Sgt Dani Smith (REME), 2Lt Shauna Holland (OUOTC), Bdr Alice Miell and Bdr Ciara Mitchell (both 7 AD Gp). The Military Patrol Race, the iconic finale, once again tested the leadership and resilience of our junior officers and their 2ICs. Command tasks this year included a navigation test, an observation challenge, an off-piste section and a
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200m CASEVAC, making for a dramatic finish line spectacle. Ultimately, 17 P&M and REME women secured the men’s and women’s top spots respectively, although it was a close call, with 6 Regt RLC missing out on first place by just a one-minute penalty. The women from 7 AD Gp claimed the Chief Nordic Award for being the best shots during the race. Beyond the winners, we must not forget the performance of the 1 Med Regt Women’s HC Team, who, despite finishing last, maintained an excellent attitude throughout and provided endless entertainment for the French officials. As always, none of this would have been possible without the exceptional support of British and French officials. In fact, this year, we were able to arrange for the Chair of Army Winter Sports Association to present RLC colours to SSgt Tim Howard during the prize giving evening, recognising his more than 15 years of commitment to the competition as Chief of Range. Consistent commitment like this enables us to deliver a successful Exercise SPARTAN HIKE year after year. Looking ahead, both Qualifying Championships are working more closely than ever under Army Nordic to deliver even more coordinated and high-quality competitions in the future.
EX PIPEDOWN
EX PIPEDOWN by Maj Stephen ‘Macca’ McHugh Exercise PIPEDOWN 26 once again delivered an exceptional display of Army winter sports, bringing together 142 Service personnel for 10 days of demanding nordic and biathlon competition in the alpine village of Les Contamines, France. Now in its 61st year, the exercise continued to grow in both participation and quality, supported by 24 officials and the expert preparation provided by the ESF nordic team. Excellent snow conditions, meticulously prepared tracks and the warm support of the local community set the stage for a memorable Championship. Across both male and female competitions, athletes demonstrated technical skill, endurance and the hallmark resilience of Army sport. The women’s field quickly centred around the dominance of 29 Regiment RLC, led by Sgt Becky Wilson, who opened the week with a commanding victory in the 10km Classic. Her consistent excellence carried into the biathlon events, where clear shooting and strong skiing performances kept her at the front of the pack. The rivalry between 29 Regiment RLC and the Royal Signals became one of the defining narratives of the exercise, with both teams pushing each other across the Classic, Relay and Biathlon disciplines. Throughout the week, 29 Regiment RLC displayed exceptional depth, ultimately securing victories in all major events, including the Military Patrol Race, where their discipline, accuracy and cohesion set them clearly apart. In the men’s category, 1 RIFLES delivered a similarly dominant campaign. From the opening 10km Classic, they established themselves as the team to beat, driven by the impressive consistency of LCpl Nathan Carter and LCpl Gerald Webber. Their momentum continued into the biathlon events, where Carter once again led the Army field in the Sprint despite missed shots, and 1 RIFLES firmly established themselves at the top end of the standings. The XC Relay showcased the Unit’s strength in depth, with smooth, controlled splits throughout, while the Biathlon Relay highlighted their balance of speed and precision. Notable supporting performances from across the field, including strong efforts by 14 Signal Regiment, 4 REME and 13 AASR, added to the very high standard of racing. A memorable moment came from The Enablers, whose experienced handicap team, including Maj Andy Martin and Maj Macca
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McHugh, produced a tactically astute and resilient performance. The Military Patrol Race once again served as the culmination of the exercise, with 1 RIFLES completing their sweep of the week through a faultless performance across inspections, transitions and shooting. Northern Gunners and 13 AASR also impressed with disciplined skiing and accurate marksmanship, demonstrating that winter soldiering remains a true test of teamwork and tactical resilience. With broad representation across cap badges and a thriving novice pipeline, Exercise PIPEDOWN 26 highlighted a deepening interest and growing competitiveness within Army Nordic. As Units returned to their respective barracks, attention shifted towards Exercise RUCKSACK 26, where many of the week’s standout athletes and teams continued their pursuit of excellence. Once again, PIPEDOWN proved itself to be a highly effective, low-cost investment in Army readiness, developing soldiers who are physically robust, mentally resilient and operationally agile in the most demanding winter conditions.
EX PIPEDOWN
The Alpine Experience
Team honours in the Slalom went to 30 Sig Regt as the fastest formed unit team, with special mention to the Hors-Concours teams from the Rangers and Infantry, who recorded the fastest times. SUPER G The Super G race was brought forward in this year’s Championships, with LCpl Alasdair Poll and Lt Abigail Binnington each securing another win in the male and female categories, respectively. Gnr James Scott (3 RHA) was the fastest novice in the field, while KRH won the team event.
Exercise PIPEDOWN 2026 delivered another outstanding week of Alpine competition in the resort of Les Contamines. True to form, the British Army appeared to bring the weather with them. Snowfall on arrival quickly gave way to clear blue skies, setting perfect racing conditions across all disciplines. As ever, the local community and ESF Les Contamines provided a warm welcome, culminating in a formal opening peremony that set the tone for a highly competitive Championship. This year’s Alpine Championships attracted 147 competitors across 37 teams, with male and female athletes represented in the senior, junior, veteran and novice categories. With a broad mix of experience levels, Ex PIPEDOWN once again demonstrated its importance in developing both elite racers and first-time competitors in one of the most demanding winter sports. SEEDING & GIANT SLALOM The competition opened with the Seeding Giant Slalom (GS), ensuring fair and accurate start positions for the Individual GS. Thanks to the disciplined Team Captains and the precision of the Chief Timings and Calculations staff, minimal adjustments were required, reflecting the professionalism demonstrated across all teams. The Team GS set an early benchmark for the week. The Infantry were strong from the very start, but the KRH took the win as the highest-placed Unit Team. In the Individual GS, LCpl Alasdair Poll (3 PARA) took gold in the male category, and Lt Abigail Binnington (Int Corps) was the first female finisher, while Pte Tilung Tamang (10 QOGLR) led the novice category.
THE BLUE RIBAND EVENT: DOWNHILL & FINAL RESULTS The Downhill, the blue riband event of Alpine skiing, proved to be the ultimate test of courage, speed and control. With a course approaching 2km in length and a vertical drop of over 400 metres, competitors reached speeds of more than 120km/h. The Infantry dominated the discipline, with LCpl Ben Latham taking individual gold and the Light Dragoons claiming the team victory. Lt Abigail Binnington was once again the fastest female, while Gdsm William Fettes (SG) led the junior category. Pte Tilung Tamang continued his strong week by topping the novice standings once again. A notable performance came from Cpl Ross Chamberlain (2 Rifles), who started from bib 104 and recorded the 44th-fastest time in the race. Overall, the KRH were crowned Champion Unit, while the Jerry Bombs HC Team secured overall victory with the lowest total race points. LCpl Ben Latham and Lt Abigail Binnington were recognised as the top male and female athletes, respectively, with LCpl Leo England (1 R WELSH) taking the junior title. Pte Edward Foster (4 MERCIAN) was named Best Veteran, while Pte Tilung Tamang was named Best Overall Novice. DEVELOPING SOLDIERS ON SNOW
SLALOM: TECHNICAL AND UNFORGIVING
Ex PIPEDOWN 2026 successfully qualified 67 athletes and three-unit teams for Ex LIONS CHALLENGE, reinforcing its role as a critical development exercise within Army Alpine skiing. Through physically demanding racing, high-speed decision-making and relentless competition, Alpine skiing continues to develop fitter, tougher and more resilient soldiers.
The Individual Slalom (SL) presented a sharp increase in technical difficulty. LCpl Ben Latham (5 RIFLES) delivered a standout performance to take the win, while Lt Isabella Mackenzie impressed as the fastest female competitor and Spr Ethan Husband (32 ENGR) claimed top spot in the novice race.
The success of the exercise was underpinned by the professionalism of ESF Les Contamines and the expertise of the hill team, led by the Technical Delegate, Maj John Poole. Once again, Ex PIPEDOWN was delivered exactly as planned: challenging, competitive and preparing soldiers to excel both on the slopes and back in the Field Army. 42