To all my serving colleagues and our sponsors, I ask you to spread the word. Do not be shy about the fact that we value competition on snow and ice. If you know someone who hasn’t taken part before, show them what they’re missing out on!
Welcome to the 2025 edition of Snow and Ice, a celebration of life in the mountains. In these pages, we’re pleased to share how our soldiers are pushing boundaries, not just of terrain but of courage, resilience and performance These disciplines aren’t only thrilling; they sharpen leadership, fuel camaraderie and forge the adaptability we need on every front This edition harks back once again to our roots in 1947 and celebrates the power of cold-weather sport to transform individuals, develop junior leaders and elevate teams on and off the snow and ice
When winter comes into view, we can finally allow ourselves to feel excitement for the coming season. However, for many, especially the enablers, the winter season itself is merely the pinnacle of year-round planning and engagement I wholeheartedly thank all our secondary duty volunteers, without whom the past and coming seasons would not happen
From our enablers to our racers, our raison d'être, you are inspirational. From the novices who sign up to attend a Corps Camp, not knowing what lies ahead, to the select few chosen to represent your discipline and the Army at the Inter Service Snow Sports Championships, and especially our prospective Olympians with eyes fixed on the 2026 Winter Olympics. At every level, you push yourselves to previously unknown limits and return to your day jobs all the better for it I commend you for your spirit and dedication
If you love the winter season as much as I do, and I’m sure you do, consider volunteering. This might be by joining an organising committee, becoming your Unit’s next team Captain, or becoming a coach I can guarantee that it will be one of the most rewarding things you do
The excellent articles that follow provide fascinating insights into everything the AWSA has to offer. Discover why people love beasting themselves around a Nordic course, throwing themselves down an ice track at more than 80 mph and only 5 cm from the surface, or shoulder-barging their way through a Snowboard Cross race Learn how Adaptive Skiing is used as part of our colleagues’ rehabilitation and recovery. I am sure you will find this year’s issue as inspiring and entertaining as I have
This magazine celebrates all that we work so hard to achieve It is with immense pride that I look forward to this coming winter. This season will mark the 78th year that Army Winter Sports has helped produce enriched, robust soldiers, able to operate close to their personal limits and in physical danger, working closely with colleagues, trusted to plan and operate independently at reach, with significant freedoms delegated to our junior leaders. We pride ourselves on our experience and quality of competition in this unique area. Yet it is only made possible by the amazing work of the AWSA charity, supported by readers’ membership subscriptions and generous sponsorship from across the Army Sports and sponsors family, combining local expertise with the widest reach.
What we achieve on ice and snow echoes far beyond the slopes From first-timers to Olympians, our athletes embody the grit, skill and unity that define the British Army at its best. I wish all our racers and organisers every success. As we look ahead to a vibrant season of competition, we will see more soldiers turning fear into courage, confronting the unknown, pushing past limits and discovering just how far they can go The gates are set, the ice is cut, game on
Ex SPARTAN HIKE
byMajorRossMAndersonSCOTSDG(ExController)
Ex SPARTAN HIKE 25 (SH25) was the 31st combined Army Alpine and Nordic Qualifying Championships to be successfully delivered in Serre Chevalier in its current format The historical links with the resort reach back several years for single-discipline events, and the relationship continues to grow.
The Serre Chevalier Valley is in the ProvenceAlpes-Côte d’Azur region, situated to the northeast of Écrins National Park in the French Alps The ski area covers 1,013 acres of world-acclaimed slopes and is famous for its beautiful larch forests and authentic mountain villages. A fantastic office!
The planning for SH25 was delivered through HQ SJC (UK) and RC, having finally moved from Upavon to Aldershot in May 2024 This enabled improved communications and support from the AWSA, medical branches and other departments, in Montgomery House It is an extremely busy HQ, with staff who willingly leaned in and supported SH25 amongst competing priorities
Leading the discipline teams for SH25 were Lt Col Spook Spenlove-Brown for Alpine and Maj Charlotte Wilson for Nordic. The discipline hill teams were supported by a small but dedicated admin team, led by Ex WO2 Jack Jackson and Ex RAOWO WO2 Sam Imray This blend of an ad hoc admin team working with Alpine and Nordic specialists supported and delivered a successful Alpine and Nordic Qualifying Championships. Without this team, and the support of their CoCs, it would not have been possible to deliver competitions of such a high standard for both Alpine and Nordic competitors
The team deployed from Aldershot on Wed 8 Jan, stopping overnight at Reims, and arriving in Serre Chevalier on Thu 9 Jan This included tricky driving conditions over the Col du Lautaret and the deployment of snow chains That said, a vehicle or two managed to find their own snowplough!
We were met with the usual warm welcome from Tina and her staff at La Maison du Bez, followed by unpacking, resort orientation and briefing The focus quickly switched to race office set-up and the disciplines’ recces of the slopes and loipes with their French colleagues on Fri 10 Jan. The start of the season across the Alps had been mixed in terms of snowfall once again, with the location and height of each resort playing a significant part Thankfully, Serre Chevalier already had a good amount of snow, and it was snowing as we arrived. Considering the lack of snow elsewhere in the Alps, we were in a strong position as the teams registered for the Alpine and Nordic events on Sat 11 Jan
The disciplines will cover their events, but with blue skies, fresh snow and cold conditions, what could go wrong?
The admin team provided excellent support to both hill teams throughout the exercise Their refined planning and time management even allowed them some free time to attempt their chosen winter sport and enhance their cultural knowledge. This can be quite testing, noting that supermarkets on a Sunday have limited opening hours, as do their car parks This was a valuable lesson for the Ex RAOWO and SQMS after a quick coffee stop The car park shutters were down, but at gg
least they could see the car with the shopping inside! Monday brought better luck: no parking ticket, thankfully, and another quick coffee, this time in an empty car park
On the evening of Wed 15 Jan, the cocktail party took place at the Chazeley. This brought together the whole team that delivered SH25 in a social setting which allowed friendships, new and old, to be started or rekindled This is vital given the ever-changing members of the Serre Chevalier and SH delivery teams, something no amount of ‘virtual’ time or meetings can replace. The language barrier was overcome with the use of common sports phrases and creative body language, not unlike some unusual dance moves It was a very enjoyable evening and a great celebration of the continued collaboration between the Army and Serre Chevalier.
The majority of the admin team was provided by 5 FS Bn REME, whose CoC grasped the opportunity to get their soldiers away from RD and into supporting winter sports This gave them the chance to broaden not only their military skills but also the important cultural elements that complement them. All the admin team took to the snow and dabbled with skis, some doing better than others That said, the seed was sown for future winter sports aspirations
Our discipline teams were supported by the SQMS, Cpl Goodrick, assisted by LCpl Staunton and Cpl Muir (MT). They provided an outstanding service with minimal direction, matched by the armoury guard led by Cpl Rai Our younger soldiers stepped up to the challenges of a winter sports environment with ease and confidence.
Ex SH25 is delivered through a whole-team approach and relies on the fantastic support of the resort of Serre Chevalier The resort team is led by David Chabanal (Directeur Office de Tourisme), who is supported throughout the planning and delivery process by Daniela and Pascale. The resort team also includes the ESF (Villeneuve and Monêtier), SCV, SIVM and CDA Specifically, the Alpine hill team was supported by Fabrice and Joris, and the Nordic team by Isabelle and Eddy, who led their experienced hill teams in delivering excellent events. These are just a few of the many who made Ex SH25 another successful Qualifying Championship.
Ex SH25 culminated with the prize giving on Mon 20 Jan, which brought everyone together to celebrate the successes, winners and champions of the exercise. This also gave us the opportunity to recognise the continued access and ability for our SP to take on Alpine and Nordic challenges in Serre Chevalier in such demanding times Our thanks go to the AWSA leadership team for their continued efforts and support
Lastly, my thanks to the Ex Director/Chief Alpine, Lt Col Spook Spenlove-Brown; Chief Nordic, Maj Charlotte Wilson; Ex WO2, Jack Jackson; Ex RAOWO, WO2 Sam Imray; Ex Physio, Maj Lorna Francis; and the SH team They made it happen, simples!
E x p e r i e n c e
by Major Jonny Gillespie R SIGNALS
A beautifully snowy beginning to the New Year ensured that any remaining fears about weather conditions were banished, and once again the scene was set for another edition of the Army Alpine Qualifying Championships in Serre Chevalier. After a large dump of snow the day before team registration, the sun appeared in resort, promising perfectly groomed slopes ready for nine days of fiercely competitive Alpine racing
G I A N T S L A L O M
Picture-perfect sunny and cold conditions met the teams on day one, and for once Monêtier was something approaching a reasonable temperature, at least until the sun disappeared behind the snowy peaks for the start of the second run. The shady side of the mountain ensured that the snow was consistently preserved, and the race piste remained in excellent condition throughout all three days of racing The continuous efforts of the ESF Villeneuve team, led expertly once more by Patrice, were fully appreciated by racers and organising committee alike They tirelessly worked to maintain the slope and ensure a fair competition from the first racer to the very last out of the start gate
Capt Alex Combe RGR displayed his technical prowess to claim victory three and a half seconds ahead of Capt Rob Vanbeck 1 RHA in second and LCpl Ben Vermeulen-White in third. The fastest woman was Pte Isla Jackson 1 PWRR, top junior was LCpl Felix Pryke 1 RLC, and the highest-placed novice was LCpl Chaz Riley 5 MI
In the team competition, spurred on by the invaluable experience of Sgt Chris Bennett 4 Bn REME, who was also best veteran, 4 Bn REME were comfortably ahead of 1 RHA in second and 1 RLC in third
S L A L O M
Three days of Giant Slalom gave way to Slalom for the next two days back over in sunny Villeneuve, and racers certainly made efficient use of the Café Soleil viewing terrace in between their course inspections and race runs
Capt Alex Combe continued with a dominant display to finish nearly two seconds ahead of his closest rival, this time Capt James Phillips 1 WG, followed by LCpl Felix Pryke 1 RLC, who also claimed the top junior prize
The fastest woman was Lt Imogen Bird 35 Engr Regt (EOD), best veteran was Sgt Chris Bennett 4 Bn REME, and the highest-placed novice was LCpl Chaz Riley 5 MI.
1 RHA, confidently led by Capt Rob Vanbeck, won the team race, followed closely by 1 Regt RLC and then 1 WG T h e A l p i n e
After the Slalom events had captured the inevitable disqualifications for those allergic to the most technical discipline, as well as a few unfortunate injuries due to some navigational challenges, it was over to the now infamous Clot Gauthier piste for speed training followed by the Downhill Bluebird days during training delighted the speed demons amongst the field, but this then gave way to rolling clouds and intermittent visibility for the race itself, which tested all the racers’ bravery and really drove home the need to use the training runs to memorise the course and practise the best line
This time LCpl Felix Pryke 1 RLC proved his courage in the unnerving low-light conditions to take victory, as well as claiming the top junior prize, from Capt Alex Combe by a second, who in turn pipped rival Capt James Phillips 1 WG by just 15 hundredths of a second LCpl Felix Pryke also led the 1 Regt RLC team to victory, beating 4 Bn REME by a fine margin of only two seconds over three racers, who themselves were only one second ahead of 1 RHA in third.
The fastest woman was Pte Isla Jackson 1 PWRR, best veteran was Maj Matt Dean 1 MWD, and highest-placed novice was LCpl Chaz Riley 5 MI S
So far so good, and on to the final day of competition – the Super-G Often described as the racers’ favourite event of the championship, it has all the danger and adrenaline of Downhill with less of the fear. A new course on the same slope proved challenging for the setters, with limited snow depth in the approach to the finish necessitating a rollercoaster-style final section, which almost caught out one of the forerunners in spectacular fashion and certainly tested the rest of the field appropriately.
The final race was won by Capt James Phillips 1 WG, comfortably ahead of the everreliable Sgt Chris Bennett 4 Bn REME in second as best veteran, followed by regular podium finisher and top junior, LCpl Felix Pryke 1 RLC, in third. The fastest woman was Capt Lauren Bailey 26 RA, and the highestplaced novice was LCpl Chaz Riley 5 MI The fastest team for the last event of the championship was 1 Regt RLC, followed hot on their heels by 4 Bn REME, and then 1 RHA in third.
team Captains’ meetings were always entertaining, and it was interesting to see the increasingly prominent role that coaches are playing in standing up for their teams, even if a little more studying of the rulebook would be advantageous. We had an immensely experienced hill team of officials this year, which ensured a very smooth delivery of the Championships and allowed the racers to concentrate on their own performances All the competitors approached the event in great spirit and showed exactly the levels of commitment, courage and competitiveness that we expect from our soldiers and officers when taking part in Army Winter Sports. Thank you also to Daniela for expertly marshalling the teams into appropriate resort accommodation, and to Tina plus the team at Le Bez for hosting the officials so kindly.
by Major Charlotte Wilson
Another successful race season complete, the Ex SPARTAN HIKE Nordic discipline this year saw 183 competitors from 36 teams, including four Corps women's teams, four Unit women's teams, and a team from Oxford University Officers Training Corps Over the usual five races – the 10km Individual Classic, 5km Classic Relay, 10km (M)/75km (F) Biathlon Sprint, 6km Biathlon Relay, and Military Patrol Race – the teams displayed endurance, determination, and competitive spirit. Another very healthy year for introducing novices into the sport and qualifying them for Ex RUCKSACK, the overall male competition was won by the 5 RIFLES team and the female competition by the REME team, who beat the Infantry team on points gained in the Patrol Race. Our ‘wildcard’ for sending to Ex RUCKSACK went to 23 Para Engr Regt, who were the best-performing novice team
A number of the Corps training camps had been in Sweden and Norway, which unfortunately didn’t receive a substantial snow dump until too late in December. The double-edged sword of Serre Chevalier not having a dedicated Nordic stadium but receiving a huge snow dump early in January meant there were plenty of options for inventive race loops. Both the novices and the more experienced racers, I’m sure, will look back on ‘Herring Bone Hill’ with rosetinted glasses; it was good pre-deployment training for skiing up ‘The Wall’ at Ruhpolding This year, Ex SPARTAN HIKE qualified more teams than Ex PIPEDOWN for Ex RUCKSACK, as well as securing the additional wildcard for 33 Engr Regt.
Bluebird skies and daily temperatures of around three degrees made for very enjoyable back-to-back racing, with limited time to recce the course for the next day’s competition, such was the desire of the local population and tourists to ski the fresh loipes that had been specially cut for the races
The first race was the Individual Classic 10km, which was the same distance for both men and women (having previously been 15km for men) A single race and mixed seeding allowed for direct comparison between the male and female results and some seriously impressive displays of VO2 Max. Capt Kenzi Savill Inf came first female, only five seconds faster than Lt Kate Newsom HCR and twenty-one seconds ahead of Lt Annie Smith Inf in third place These women were ferocious Unsurprisingly, the stalwarts of the sport, Sgt Ryan Wallace 33 RE and Bdr Vinny Fountain 16 RA, came first and second, with third, fourth, and fifth places taken by the indefatigable 5 RIFLES team (Rfn Jherome Camariosa, LCpl Gerald Webber, and Cpl Finn Feeny) Lt Luke Pitman HCR was the first male novice, finishing in 16th place, with Lt Lizzie Bywater REME winning fastest female novice.
Physical prowess continued to be demonstrated the following day with impressive results in the 4 x 5km Classic Relay Once again, 5 RIFLES came first (spoiler alert: they won every race), 1 RGR in second place, and QRH in third. The Infantry Women's Team came first, followed by REME, with the RA in third place Amongst the Units that fielded women's teams, 27 RLC won, followed by 1 MWD and 1 MED, with 6 RLC gallantly bringing up the rear.
As we transitioned to Biathlon, competitors got a welcome break from racing and spent more hours on the range, honing their grouping and practising shooting straight with
with a thumping heart rate The course was technically difficult, with the final 500m before the range being a gentle downhill with a series of tight corners, which inevitably caught many skiers out on race day
The winner of the 10km Biathlon Sprint was Bdr Vinny Fountain 16 RA, with Sgt Ryan Wallace 33 RE in second place. Lt Alaisdair Cuthburt QRH was the male novice champion, with Lt Lizzy Bywater REME proving she’s one to watch by once again winning the novice award Capt Kenzi Savill Inf, a Canadian Exchange Officer with impressive Biathlon credentials, shot superbly (0,2) and finished almost four minutes quicker than her teammate, Lt Annie Smith, who came second Proving that Gunners don’t just shoot aerial targets, third place (by a tantalising seven seconds) went to Bdr Ciara Mitchell RA, who also got target rounds in both the prone and standing shooting, missing just one each.
In the 6km Biathlon Relay, the Infantry women swept up again, with REME and RA coming second and third In the male race, first place went to 5 RIFLES, followed by 1 MERCIAN and QRH.
The final race of the competition was the Military Patrol Race, and we were blessed with bluebird skies once more The 20km race started with a kit inspection and the issuing of a map with the route marked One team got lost early on (was the officer navigating?) and, most unfortunately, bbbbbb
another team followed them, resulting in both teams being disqualified. The teams were surprised to be asked to fire their SA80s (converted to .22 ammunition) from the ‘sitting supported’ position for their first shoot, followed by a very welcome ‘prone supported’ second shoot The command tasks were stimulating and, whilst there were plenty of sore shoulders from carrying 10kg in their camouflaged rucksacks, everyone crossed the finish line with beaming smiles. The 5 RIFLES team won overall, with both a rapid ski time and excellent shooting The REME women were the winning women’s team and came fifth overall, with a ski time only ten minutes slower than the 5 RIFLES team.
Shout-outs to Sgt Fiona Mosely 1 MWD, who won fastest female reservist in both races, and Capt Brody Hannan 5 RIFLES, who won fastest male reservist Sgt Ryan Sealy from 27 RLC was unanimously voted ‘the skier’s skier’ for his unwavering support of the sport and for the extensive help and knowledge he shared with Novice Team Captains Cpl Mark Jenner QRH had the best shoot in the Individual Biathlon, missing only one target in the prone The QRH also came third in both the Classic and Biathlon Relays; clearly, the pre-season coaching from Lt Col (Retd) Charles Bromley-Gardner paid off.
Ex SPARTAN HIKE 25 was a huge success and simply wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated volunteer officials and a brilliant French team of facilitators. My most sincere thanks to you all.
Ex PIPEDOWN
byMajorJerryCrossRLC(ExController)
The winter migration from the UK to the French Alps started on Tue 7 Jan as the admin advance party gathered at 162 Regt RLC in Nottingham and began the two-day transit south This marked the 60th year of the competition and the 30th time it has been hosted in Les Contamines
After a straightforward drive with an overnight stop, the admin team arrived on a bright, snow-covered afternoon Anniversary banners and signs displayed by the Tourist Office, shops and businesses were in clear view, and fortunately accompanied by snow The ‘Rhinos’ had arrived once again and the resort hoped the tradition of more snow arriving with the Army would continue into 2025. There was an expectant buzz in the town as the admin party moved into accommodation and set up the Race Office in L’Espace Animation to welcome 400 excited Alpine and Nordic competitors after their commute south.
The weather was forgiving, with snowfall on Friday and Saturday providing the needed depth for the rest of the winter season, so the tradition of the ‘Rhinos’ and snow arriving together has continued! The Nordic park had been well prepared before the snowfall but provided excellent conditions for races. Up on the Alpine pistes, conditions were perfect and the usual race tracks were used
Nearly 400 competitors started arriving early on Sat 10 Jan, and the smooth, well-oiled registration process, led by WO1 Wits Houston and WO2 Graham Weston, soon had everyone booked in and accommodated While this challenging task was ongoing, the Alpine and Nordic Chiefs of Race, led by Taff John and Herbie Herbert, engaged with their French ESF counterparts to recce race tracks, ranges and slopes, ensuring the quality of the racing.
A near maximum field of 147 Alpine athletes were soon hurling themselves down challenging pistes and courses, while in the Nordic park range practices and weapon zeroing were underway in preparation for the first of the Nordic races as well as course inspections Although Nordic numbers were below capacity, it was fantastic to see that over 90 of the Nordic field were novices, eager to test their fitness against the veterans.
Comd 1(UK) Div, Maj Gen Dan Reeve, witnessed first-hand the tremendous effort, teamwork and commitment shown not only by those competing but also by those providing the administrative framework. Sadly, the DComd 1(UK) Div, Brig Gen Armel Dirou, was unable to attend this year However, in the spirit of ‘Entente Cordiale’, GOC 1(UK) Div was the perfect host during the village celebrations to mark the respective anniversaries.
The Tourist Office was especially generous this year, committing to a 20-minute firework display with hot beverages at the end of the opening ceremony – a memorable event enjoyed by all
As the exercise drew to a close on Tue 21 Jan, some competitors headed onwards for further greatness at Army level, whilst the remainder returned to the UK to impress all who would listen with their tales of ‘derringdo’ on the snow
Sadly, this was my last year as Ex Controller as I am retiring, but Maj Andy Martin has seamlessly replaced me and has a depth of knowledge of PIPEDOWN that makes him the perfect selection Planning is well in hand for 2026, so clear your diaries, return your trophies and get yourselves registered to book a team entry for next year!
T h e A l p i n e
E x p e r i e n c e
by Captain Taff John RLC (Chief of Alpine)
Once again, the Snow Gods smiled upon the PIPEDOWN pilgrims and competitors were greeted in Les Contamines with glorious weather, perfectly prepared race pistes, and, as always, the very warmest of welcomes from the local community
With a total of 144 participants formed into 36 teams, comprising both male and female athletes, the competition promised a thrilling display of skill and athleticism across all categories The event saw the participation of 94 senior athletes, 24 juniors and 10 veterans, alongside 16 declared novices eager to make their mark
The Seeding Giant Slalom (GS) event ensured minimal adjustments in positioning for the Individual GS (IGS), thanks to the integrity of the Team Captains and the precision of Chief Timings and Calculations
The team GS set the scene, with victory going to the RE Wks Gp. Runners-Up were 1 IG, and 1 MP Bde clinched third place. Individual GS glory went to LCpl Ben Latham 5 Rifles; silver was claimed by Lt Elliot Canham, and bronze by Capt Giles Bromley-Martin, who also picked up the award for best veteran. The first woman across the line was Capt Amanda Herring, and the first novice was Cfn Ben Townsend 16 Sigs LAD
The Individual Slalom event, known for its technical challenges, saw Sgt Luke Dugard deliver a masterful performance, outpacing LCpl Ben Latham to claim victory. Spr Elizabeth Knox shone as the top female participant, while Gdsm Kai Skinner 1 SG emerged triumphant in the novice category
In the team Slalom, the results mirrored the GS, with RE Wks Gp in first place, 1 IG in second place, and 1 MP Bde in third place once again.
The blue riband event, the Downhill race, lived up to its reputation as the ultimate test of skill and courage Spanning nearly 2km with a vertical drop exceeding 400 metres, athletes reached exhilarating speeds blokgroew
surpassing 120 km/h The Infantry contingent showcased their prowess, with LCpl Ben Latham claiming individual gold and the Jerry Bombs taking the team win. Spr Elizabeth Knox stood out as the top female athlete. The first junior across the line, excluding Ben Latham, was LCpl Ryan Cook, and once again Cfn Ben Townsend scooped the novice prize Noteworthy was Tpr Jessie Davies, who started at bib 100 and almost pipped Spr Knox as the fastest female.
In the Unit competition, RE Wks Gp once again took top spot, closely followed by the Combat Arms teams of 1 IG and LDs
In the final event of PIPEDOWN 25, the Infantry dominated the Super-G podium, with LCpl Ben Latham, Capt Giles Bromley-Martin and Lt Elliot Canham taking gold, silver and bronze First female was once again Spr Elizabeth Knox, while Pte Harry Lyles 1 Royal Yorks was the first novice to cross the line
The overall results crowned RE Wks Gp as the Champion Unit, while the Jerry Bombs HC team, boasting the fewest race points, secured overall victory LCpl Ben Latham and Lt Matilda Foster were honoured as the top male and female athletes respectively, with Ben also claiming the junior title. Capt Giles Bromley-Martin was named best veteran, and Gdsm Kai Skinner recognised as the best overall novice
Ex PIPEDOWN 25 successfully prepared a cohort of 41 athletes (35 male and 6 female) and three Unit teams for Ex LION’S CHALLENGE. The event’s success was attributed to the unwavering support of ESF Les Contamines and the expertise of the hill team, led by Technical Delegate Maj Lloyd (Dippy) Diprose The dedication and hard work of all involved ensured that Ex PIPEDOWN 25 was delivered exactly as planned.
by Major Andy Martin RLC (Chief of Nordic)
This year’s series of Nordic and Biathlon races attracted up to 150 soldiers, with a mixture of 25 men’s and 3 women's teams from the Army A superb record turnout of 92 novices, 24 juniors and 4 youths shows that the Corps are embracing one of the most physical and technical sports in the world. Soldiers were put through their paces in a total of five races, culminating in the prestigious blue riband event, the demanding Patrol Race The competition was overseen by a team of 23 officials from an array of Units, including the impressive ESF team, who provided some of the best quality Nordic ski courses and races.
The exercise is broken into three phases The teams are tested with a gruelling 10km Classic race for the men and a 10km Classic race for the women. Team Captains then select their best four athletes to race in the 4 x 5km Classic Relay, which this year produced closely fought contests in both categories
The teams then switch focus to the Biathlon events. Firstly, the men race the 10km Biathlon Sprint and the women the 7.5km Sprint, normally a lap event with a prone shoot followed by a demanding standing shoot
With freezing conditions, beautiful surroundings, punishing phys, competition and teamwork remain hallmarks of Nordic skiing in the British Army. In a smaller, busier Army, Nordic skiing is more important than ever It excites our officers and soldiers, makes us tangibly better, tests us, develops our mental and physical resilience, and returns us to the Field Army fitter, more determined and ready.
Another fantastic and challenging 11 days of racing produced some superb individual and team results This year Ex PIPEDOWN 25 managed to qualify 10 men's teams and 16 individual women, along with three individual men, onto Ex RUCKSACK 25, the Army and Inter Service Championships The standard this year has been impressive, particularly in the novice categories, who will now go on to excel in this demanding sport in the future.
A L P I N E
byLieutenantColonelBeeSmith(SecretaryArmyAlpine)
Well, 2025’s Army Championships were like nothing we had seen before, weather-wise! We had hot sun, ice storms and even torrential rain in the finish area at 1,800m Thankfully, there was also plenty of snow – and for the most part all the races were completed, albeit a little out of sequence, and with the cancellation of the famed Downhill due to too much fresh snow. We were incredibly fortunate that one of our sponsors, Astute, had provided Dryrobes to all the qualifying competitors These were by far the best bit of kit out there to cope with the weather conditions – from keeping warm at the start, to course inspections, to staying dry in the finish area – they certainly got well used.
A total of 101 racers were brought through to the Army Championships from the two qualifying exercises: Ex PIPEDOWN and Ex SPARTAN HIKE This included 15 women, five of whom came from the Combat Arms, so it is great to see women now represented from all Corps.
All those at the Army Championships had started their season’s skiing and training at their Corps Championships In 2024, the RAC and AAC left Verbier after 40 years and moved their exercise to Sölden in Austria, also bringing in the two RAC Units that had previously used Alpbach The new training ground paid dividends, as the RAC qualified twice the number of soldiers through to the Army Championships than in previous years This year we see another move, with the Royal Signals relocating their exercise, and we look forward to seeing how their soldiers benefit in the coming season Two more Corps are looking to move in 2026, which demonstrates the constant behind-the-scenes, year-round work of the Corps committees to provide the best possible training for their soldiers, whilst maintaining value for money for Defence.
Again, our generous sponsorship allowed Alpine to run a training camp in Pitztal, Austria, in October 2024 The Army Team Manager, WO2 McClelland, and Army Team Coach, Sgt Coulson, took 11 skiers to the challenging glacier to hone their technical skills SSgt Louis Hampson from the RAPTC attended to provide specific strength and conditioning training, aimed at increasing ski fitness and reducing injury SSgt Hampson has also contributed one of our three articles below The training camp also included an inspirational visit to watch the World Cup in Sölden This pre-training paved the way for success at the Inter Service Snow Sports Championships, and Capt Ellie Thorn, a Telemarker turned Alpine skier, writes about her experience of making the Army Team later in this article
The Army Alpine committee are always on the lookout for new officials to join the various levels of exercises, championships and training. One such ex-racer is Maj Jonny Gillespie, who started his racing career as a young subaltern and has worked his way up through the officials’ positions on the hill at Corps, Army and Inter Service level, culminating in qualifying as a Services Technical Delegate last year. His story is below, and if it inspires you to become an official, please contact the Army Alpine Secretary, Lt Col Bee Smith, at beesmith543@modgovuk to register your interest
As the summer heatwave turns to autumn and the excitement builds towards another season of competitive Army racing in the Alps, we take a look behind the scenes at the people who make it all possible – not just the athletes who seek glory out on the slopes, but those who ensure every gate, safety net and timing device is ready for the main event In this interview, Snow and Ice magazine sits down with Jonny Gillespie, a former Corps-level Alpine ski racer who now serves as a Services Alpine Technical Delegate – a role dedicated to the safety and fair play of the sport he loves.
Q&A: TRADINGBIBS FOR BRIEFINGS
Jonny, thank you for joining us. To start, can you tell us about your journey from being an Alpine racer to becoming a Technical Delegate for GB Snowsports?
Sure, it’s a pleasure to chat with you My journey has been both a natural progression and a series of lucky breaks I was incredibly fortunate to learn to ski as a young child in Méribel, France, and after a few early wobbles I developed my ski ability from an early age.
My first taste of racing came whilst serving with the Officer Training Corps and at university, where I managed to persuade my lecturers to let me take exams in the back of a nine-seater on the way home from the Qualifying Championships in France I progressed rapidly – firstly as a team member, later as a Unit Team Captain, competing at the Corps Championships, and finally representing the Royal Corps of Signals at the Army Championships But as much as I loved the adrenaline of competition racing, I was always intrigued by what happened off the hill: the planning, logistics and preparation, as well as the team of volunteers who turned a snowy hill into a racing venue
Despite my all-round skiing ability seeing me achieve some solid if unspectacular results, I soon realised I was unlikely to achieve selection for the Army Team. After a few seasons of trying in vain, I cut my racing career short, but wanted to stay involved, so I volunteered to be a race official at the Royal Signals Corps Championship Once I had learnt the ropes, I realised the role of Alpine Technical Delegate, with its focus on safety and race integrity, was the perfect way to combine my technical knowledge and passion for the sport Inspired by another Army race official, I enquired about the GB Snowsports Alpine Technical Delegate pathway and my destination was set
QFor those who might not know, what exactly does an Alpine Technical Delegate do?
In a nutshell, the Technical Delegate (TD) is the senior race official responsible for ensuring that all races are conducted safely and in accordance with both international and national regulations. Before a race, the TD works with organisers to inspect the course set, checks the safety installations such as netting and padding, and ensures that all aspects of the race meet the professional standards set by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and GB Snowsports
On race day itself, they oversee the competition delivery, resolve disputes, and manage any safety issues, including major injuries Afterwards, they compile an official report and provide feedback to help future events improve It is a fantastic blend of leadership, technical knowledge and crisis management
Can you walk us through a typical race day from your perspective?
Of course. My day usually starts on an early lift, sometimes before sunrise, with a final course inspection. I am out on the slope, checking every gate, safety net and timing device I meet with the Chief of Race and the race organising committee to discuss the weather, snow conditions and any concerns.
Before the official start, I brief the course maintenance crew, race jury and coaches on procedures and contingencies Once the racing begins, I am stationed where I have a view of the most critical sections, with radio in hand to control the competition Throughout the event, I monitor the condition of the course, respond to incidents such as major crashes or equipment malfunctions, and resolve any protests or rule clarifications
After the last racer crosses the line, I join the hill team for a debrief, write a formal report, and make recommendations for future improvements
How did your experience as a former racer influence the way you approach the job?
Hugely Having previously raced at Army level, I understand what the athletes are looking for – a fair and challenging course, but above all, one where their safety is always considered. I still remember the anxiety of preparing for icy courses, blind gates and huge jumps, or waiting nervously to push out of the Army Downhill start gate whilst an injury was being dealt with. I know how much trust racers put in the team of officials, and that empathy shapes everything I do.
Whether I am debating a delayed race start because of poor visibility or insisting on extra netting in a tricky section, I always ask myself, “Would I feel safe enough to give my all racing this course?” My background also helps me communicate effectively with the current crop of athletes and coaches; they know I have stood in their boots at the top of the course waiting my turn to race
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a Technical Delegate?
The weather is the obvious one – in the high mountains we are always at the mercy of Mother Nature Beyond that, there is the constant balance between creating courses that are exciting and technically demanding but still safe for the full field of talent we have in the Army Sometimes organisers want to push the envelope, and it is my job to be the voice of reason, especially when considering we have everyone from seasoned veterans to novice skiers in our competitions
Logistics can also be a challenge: coordinating officials, piste patrol and slip crews, and ensuring every element is in place takes clear communication and plenty of patience. Add in the language barriers and different local practices when in new resorts, and it definitely keeps you on your toes
Have there been any particularly memorable moments in your time as a race official?
Plenty – some cautionary tales, some rewarding I will never forget a Corps race in Austria where a novice racer gave their absolute all for the entire course and was so relieved to cross the line in one piece that they forgot to come to a controlled stop in the finish area. We had to halt the race and coordinate a medical evacuation with the ski patrol, and as Chief of Race I managed the incident from my position halfway down the course I resisted the temptation to take over from a junior official, and our pre-event training kicked in, meaning everyone stayed calm and professional It was a reminder that safety always comes first
On the other end of the spectrum, I love seeing the joy on our racers’ faces when they finish their runs safely and celebrate immediately with their teammates Knowing I played a part in creating the environment for personal challenge and the opportunity to succeed as a team is incredibly rewarding.
The transition from athlete to official is not always an easy one. What advice would you give to others considering a similar path?
Always remain open to learning and be willing to fulfil any role on the hill, no matter how small it may seem at first Whatever the position on paper, you will gain genuine insight into race organisation by shadowing and observing experienced officials Do not be afraid to start small by volunteering at lowerlevel races, including your Corps or cap badge training concentration, and take every possible opportunity to expand your knowledge – not just of the rules, but also of event management, risk assessments, weather forecasting, and even the basics of first aid and piste safety.
The more well-rounded and adaptable you are, the more valuable you will be to any race organiser or committee And do not underestimate the importance of building and maintaining relationships; the ski racing community is tight-knit, welcoming, and incredibly supportive of those who are genuinely committed and want to progress
QWhat do you find most fulfilling about your role?
Honestly, it is about giving back to the sport Alpine ski racing in the Army gave me responsibility early in my career, individual motivation to compete, and enhanced professional development Now I get to help the next generation take up a new sport in the safest way possible
With over 1,250 athletes on snow each season, Alpine is one of the biggest disciplines in the Army Winter Sports Association Being a TD gives me the chance to enable up to 150 people to enjoy the mountains safely each race day, giving them an opportunity that most would not have access to were it not for Army Winter Sports There is a unique satisfaction in knowing that every successful race, every athlete who crosses the finish line unharmed, is a small testament to the work we do behind the scenes
Q QFor those considering becoming a race official, what exactly does the GB Snowsports Alpine Technical Delegate pathway involve?
It is certainly a long but extremely rewarding process The first step is to fulfil the necessary race official appointments as detailed in the Army Alpine directive and record those endeavours carefully in a logbook Start by supporting your Corps training concentration, and then the Army Alpine Committee will consider your suitability to officiate at the Qualifying and Army Championships
With sufficient experience as an official at Army level, you can submit your CV to the GB Snowsports TD Forum If accepted, a challenging theory examination demands a comprehensive understanding of the FIS competition rules The final hurdle to certification involves a detailed practical examination at a FIS-regulated event, usually at the Inter Service Snow Sports Championships for services candidates This takes place in Méribel, so it was a full-circle return journey back to where it all started for me
It is a lengthy path, and if starting as an ex-racer with no previous officiating experience, you can expect to train for approximately five seasons depending on work commitments Those who have already officiated can achieve qualification a little faster depending on experience, and you will need to have officiated at least ten events to build the required expertise
QHow do you keep up with the evolving standards in race safety and technology?
Continuous education is essential. All TDs attend annual seminars and training courses delivered through GB Snowsports and FIS. The technology is always advancing – we now use more sophisticated timing systems, new materials for safety installations, and sometimes even drones for course inspections
Sharing best practices with other TDs, both in the UK and internationally, is another key way to stay current We take our lead from international-level competitions, and the GB Snowsports TD Forum then discusses which aspects of new rules and safety regulations are relevant for national and services-level racing
CONCLUSION:
OFF THE PODIUM, STILL ON THE MOUNTAIN
As we come to the end of our chat, what would be your top tips for aspiring race officials? Do you have any recommended next steps for those ready to hang up their racing boots?
Absolutely The first step is to declare your interest in becoming a race official to your respective Corps or cap badge Alpine Committee My number one tip would be to study the rulebook carefully; you need to be able to recall the relevant section when under pressure Once you are ready to stop racing, take the plunge and go for it – we always need more officials with recent racing experience
QFinally, what’s next for you? Any goals you’re still chasing?
I am always looking to improve my performance through continued learning. Every race situation is different and provides a new challenge for the safety official team. I am looking forward to my first TD assignment this season, and I would love to attend high-level international FIS races as part of the hill team to gain even more experience I will also continue to mentor up-and-coming Army officials to keep the pathway open to all Maybe one day I could take on a leadership role within GB Snowsports itself But for now, I am happy where I am, carving my own path down the mountain – just not as fast as before
Jonny Gillespie’s journey from the start gate to the team Captain’s meeting room is a testament to the passion and resilience that fuel the sport of Alpine ski racing. While he may no longer wear a race bib, his commitment to the sport – and to the racers who continue to speed down the slopes – remains unwavering. For Jonny, the thrill now lies not just in witnessing the race against the clock, but in the pursuit of excellence, safety and sporting integrity.
INTER SERVICES2025 FROM A FIRST TIME TEAM MEMBER
byCaptainEllieThorn
The goal of the Army Alpine Championships is for racers to earn a place on the Army Alpine Team for the Inter Service Snow Sports Championships in Méribel. The competition was fierce, with the hopes of replicating previous successful seasons very much in reach as the final slots for the Army Team were hotly contested right up until the last race
Former Army Team member Capt Rob Vanbeck RA was selected to captain the Army Men's Team, a strong mix of seasoned competitors and fresh talent Six racers were
Pte Isla Jackson PWRR – each bringing different strengths across the disciplines Lt Imogen Bird RE was invited to captain the team after dominating the Inter Services the previous year and showing consistent form throughout the Army Championships They were joined by newcomers Capt Lauren Bailey RA, known for her blistering speed, and Capt Ellie Thorn R Signals, a recent convert from Telemark skiing.
On arrival in Méribel under Army Team Manager WO2 John McClelland and Army
Race day brought success across the board
Capt Lauren Bailey stormed the women’s DH to claim gold, with Cpl Holly Lake close behind in silver Six Army racers finished in the top 10, four in the top five, and the Army Women's Team secured 1st overall. The men matched the effort with five top 10 finishes and 2nd team overall – an excellent start to the week
The momentum carried into the Super-G, where Spr Lizzie Knox claimed victory for the women, while the men fought hard against strong RAF competition to finish 2nd. In the Super Combined event later the same day, Capt Rob Vanbeck secured a podium with 3rd overall, while Spr Lizzie Knox continued her winning streak, earning 1st place
The technical Slalom event brought fresh challenges, with shorter skis and demanding gates. Once again, the women dominated, led by another victory for Spr Lizzie Knox and supported by Lt Imogen Bird, Cpl Holly Lake and Capt Amanda Herring Their combined effort secured another 1st place and confirmed the overall women’s title. The Army Men's Team also impressed, with another podium for Capt Rob Vanbeck and strong results from Capt Alex Combe, Sgt Luke Dugard and Capt James Philips, earning them 2nd team place
On the final day, the men made one last push in the Giant Slalom Determined performances from Capt Rob Vanbeck, Capt Alex Combe and Sgt Luke Dugard all placed in the top six, delivering a team victory. The women, however, suffered a setback when Spr Lizzie Knox crashed out. The remaining athletes skied strategically to put times on the board, but consistent performances from the RAF and Royal Navy saw them take the top two team places
Despite this setback, the women had already done enough to dominate the Championships, securing the coveted Wilkinson Sword for the second consecutive season Capt Lauren Bailey was awarded Best Female Newcomer after her outstanding DH win, while Capt James Philips claimed Best Male Newcomer. The Army Men's Team finished 2nd overall.
The Army Team of 2025 extend their thanks to their sponsors, management and coaches for their unwavering support Building on this year’s achievements, they look forward to the challenges of next season. Special congratulations also go to Capt Rob Vanbeck and Spr Lizzie Knox, who were both selected to represent the UK Armed Forces Alpine Team at the British Alpine Ski Championships in Tignes
strengh&
byStaffSergeantLouisHampsonRAPTC
O S RACING conditioning
As a member of the RAPTC Alpine Ski Team, SSgt Louis Hampson trained and competed alongside the Infantry at the Infantry Alpine Skiing Championships, Ex FROSTED BLADE in Val d’Isère, France. Whilst there, he took the opportunity to use his expertise to deliver strength and conditioning to the 280 participants. This article was originally published in the RAPTC Journal, and SSgt Hampson takes up the story.
The Infantry Championships once again demonstrated their trademark combination of spectacular winter sport and versatility during Ex FROSTED BLADE 39 in Val d’Isère Competing on the world-renowned slopes of the French Alps, the teams not only raced with precision and power, but also benefitted from critical support in the form of strength and conditioning (S&C) coaching delivered to the participating Infantry Units
The Infantry Skiing Championships are an annual showcase of fitness, resilience, and high performance within the British Army. This year’s competition brought together teams from across the Infantry battalions to test themselves in demanding Alpine disciplines including Slalom, Giant Slalom, and the punishing Super-G
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, SSgt (SSI) Hampson of the RAPTC Alpine Ski Team provided structured S&C sessions in the Aquasportif gymnasium throughout the Championships The sessions were tailored specifically for Alpine athletes, adapted to military performance needs, and focused on injury prevention, core stability, and explosive power – all critical elements for maintaining form in Alpine ski racing
Troops from across the Infantry took part in the mobility sessions and post-race recovery work. The initiative also highlighted the evolving role of Army sport – not only as a test of physical capability, but as a platform for developing leadership, technical expertise, and esprit de corps
The roar of blades on ice, the thrill of highspeed turns, and the camaraderie of teamwork – welcome to the British Army’s Novice Bobsleigh Camp in Lillehammer, Norway
This two-week camp is an intensive introduction to the adrenaline-charged sport of Bobsleigh and provides an unforgettable first step into the Army’s vibrant winter sports scene
Held annually during the winter season, the Novice Bobsleigh Camp is open to personnel across the Army with little or no previous experience It is part of the Army Winter Sports Association’s mission to develop talent and promote physical robustness through competitive training
Under the guidance of experienced coaches and former athletes, the aim of the camp is to give aspiring competitors the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of Bobsleigh, attempting both braking and driving as part of a two-man/woman team. Participants also get a first look at sprint-start techniques, pushing drills, sled handling, cornering strategies, and team coordination
With top-class coaching from athletes who have competed at Army level through to the World Cup and Olympic circuit, this camp takes participants right back to basics, teaching the technical aspects of the sled and sliding dynamics By day two, novices will have been paired up with a teammate and their sled, ready for their first slide from the Damen start (the halfway point) The adrenaline rush is like no other, as participants become familiar with the echoing sound of the track safety staff giving the green light and calling “track is clear” Despite this being a ‘gentle’ build-up to a full run from the top, sleds still hurtle down to the bottom, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h on training runs Once the coaches judge that participants are competent from the Damen start, it is straight to the top – the point where all the coaching really comes into play.
Preparation is key for this extreme sport; it is not for the faint-hearted A reasonable level of physical fitness and robustness is required, as there will be times when participants experience their ‘fight or flight’ response. A positive attitude and willingness to learn is what takes novices from ‘zero to hero’ on the mountain
The sport offers some fantastic opportunities and has already seen serving soldiers representing the Army at national and international level
If you would like to get involved next season, apply directly through the Army Winter Sports Association website. Alternatively, you can find us on Facebook or Instagram @britisharmybobsleigh, or scan the QR code below All links and events are published regularly, and the team are ready to answer any questions you may have We hope to see you on the ice this season!
Ice Warriors: Ex RACING ICE II
Army Bobsleigh Champs
Set against the dramatic Alpine backdrop of Innsbruck, the serene village of Igls, Austria, plays host to one of the most thrilling events in the Army Winter Sports’ calendar – the British Army Bobsleigh Championships. This adrenaline-fuelled competition draws teams from across the Army to battle it out with speed, precision, and raw courage on one of the world’s greatest Olympic tracks
The Army Champs – where precision meets power: the roar of runners slicing into the ice, the grunts of explosive muscle off the start block, and the finesse of the bob gliding through the corners it’s race time!
Each day begins with a pilot’s track walk This involves carefully pacing through the entire course and studying each twist, dip, and curve. The purpose is to build muscle memory and instinct, allowing pilots to guide the sled through the fastest race lines and get their teams safely across the finish line
None of this would be possible without worldclass coaching. This year saw the return of our outstanding coach, Tom De La Hunty (GB coach and former RAF PT Corps), who has more than 40 years’ experience in the sport Supporting Tom throughout the week were LCpl Nick Gleeson (OLY, 3 PARA) and Cpl Jonathan Brown (3 PARA), both of whom not only coached but also competed, performing superbly in every aspect and showing great leadership and team spirit both on and off the track
With a heavy show of force from the Parachute Regiment in the men’s competition, the battle was fierce – Reg against Reg! As the days progressed, the teams grew faster and faster. Their explosive power from the top of the track meant finishing times came down to as little
as 001 of a second Each athlete knew they were not only racing for the Championship title but also for regimental pride
A smaller showing from the women’s teams did not deter this year’s Army Champions, Gnr Sienna Wilkinson and her brakewoman, Cpl Victoria Wratten-Wood, who delivered a fantastic performance
The race was decided over the final two laufs (slides) on the closing day. After a few spills earlier in the week, the pilots showed remarkable progression and finesse, gliding from corner to corner to put on an outstanding performance on race day Each brakeman and brakewoman exploded into action with gritted teeth, powering the sleds off the top of the mountain. The pilots then held their nerve through the time warp to the finish. But in the end, it is always the very best on the ice who reign victorious
R E S U L T S
WOMEN
Champions – Pilot: Gnr Sienna Wilkinson & Brakewoman: Cpl Victoria Wratten-Wood
Fastest Brakewoman – Cpl Victoria Wratten-Wood
MEN
Champions – Pilot: LCpl Nick Gleeson (OLY) & Brakeman: Pte Callum Dixon (OLY) Runners-Up – Pilot: Cpl Jonathan Brown & Brakeman: Pte Alex Rayne
Novice Champions – Pilot: Pte Ben Rowle & Brakeman: Pte Kyle Gardiner
Fastest Brakeman – Pte Callum Dixon
Thrills & Triumphs: Ex RACING ICE III
Inter Service Ice Sports Champs
The Inter Service Ice Sports Championships recently electrified the storied Lillehammer Olympic Sliding Centre in Norway, drawing elite athletes from the British Army, Royal Navy/Royal Marines, and the Royal Air Force for a high-octane showdown across Luge, Skeleton, and Bobsleigh.
All three services arrived with an arsenal of highly polished runners and sleds, with competitors ranging from complete novices to Olympians, making for an incredible Inter Service race. The Inter Service Bobsleigh Championships took place over two days and four laufs, covering approximately five kilometres of ice and featuring 40 athletes The competition was fierce, with each service giving everything they had The ice dealt its own hand on race day, with unexpected results and a few dramatic crashes.
The Army Men's Team dominated across both days Even with last-minute sled changes and athletes having to cut weight to compete, the Army arrived determined to win
The highlight was the exceptional push start from LCpl Nick Gleeson and Rfn Tom Harris, which brought the crowd to its feet Their flat 50-second push start not only stole the show but also broke the existing track record held by Olympians Brad Hall and Taylor Lawrence This allowed Rfn Harris to retain his title as the Army’s Fastest Brakeman. Together, the pair also secured individual gold and retained their title as ARMY 1
In the women’s race, it was nail-biting action Race-day nerves saw the team drop into second place overall after a crash in the first lauf. However, showing true grit and determination, they fought back. Gnr Sienna Wilkinson and brakewoman Cpl Victoria Wratten-Wood recorded a personal-best push time, while Pte Kelsey Montgomery and brakewoman Cpl Kewe King reigned victorious, taking individual first place, with Cpl King also crowned fastest brakewoman. It was a phenomenal performance by all the Army women
So… do you think you can handle the fear?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, visit the website or contact the ABA Secretary on bobsleigh@awsaorguk
The sportsmanship and camaraderie throughout were unquestionable, with athletes from all three services cheering one another over the line. Celebrations followed, prizes were awarded, and all left with a sense of achievement The serious nature of this action-packed sport sets it apart from any other, creating an environment that promotes respect, loyalty, team cohesion, courage, and both mental and physical robustness at the highest level. Once you have felt the rush of ice sports, it is impossible to forget – not only the thrill of competing alongside world-class athletes but also the sense of belonging to the ice sports community
C R E S T A
byMajorGeorgePacke-Drury-Lowe
Ex CRESTA POOL
The 2024/25 Army Cresta season in St Moritz once again highlighted the Army’s strength and depth in the sport. Ex CRESTA POOL 2025 proved to be an engaging and highly rewarding few weeks, blending a strong beginners’ programme, competitive novice racing, and a determined build-up to the Inter Service Championship From the first arrivals in early January to the final flag drop at the Inter Services, the emphasis remained on progression, high-quality coaching and the refinement of race technique. The outcome was a confident Army performance across the board, supported by the deepest squad the Army has ever assembled, and once again the Army successfully retained the overall Inter Service title.
The season began on 5 Jan with the arrival of a healthy intake of new riders, who were quickly integrated into the St Moritz Tobogganing Club’s (SMTC) safety briefs and initial coaching before transitioning into the Army’s own training programme. Returning riders bbbbbbb
completed refresher sessions, equipment allocation and preparation ahead of getting on the ice
The first major competition was held on 10 Jan with the traditional Friday Junction programme. A packed schedule featured the 17th/21st Lancers Inter-Regimental Open Pairs, the Junction Novice Open and the Junction Open The Army Air Corps (A) pair claimed victory in the Inter-Regimental event, chased closely by the Royal Lancers (A) and the Grenadier Guards Among the standout individual performances were Capt GD Smalley and Lt RJ Kyle of the AAC, both of whom posted strong combined times, while Lt WE Clive GG and Lt R Padley RL also delivered notable runs
Attention then turned to the Army Top Championships, contested for the Scots Guards Cup on 27 Jan. This event not only crowned the Army Top Champion but also acted as the critical selection race for the Inter Service team Despite challenging snowy conditions, the race went ahead but was restricted to a single course, adding to the intensity of the competition. Capt CEA Wallace b
(RHG/B) produced a superb run to take victory, closely followed by Capt AO Villiers-Smith GG and Maj PJR Chishick LG The standard of racing throughout the field was extremely high, with riders such as Lt TJH Mancais LG and Maj JB Barnes 2 RANGER demonstrating the depth of Army Cresta.
The pinnacle of the season came with the Inter Service Championship on 29 Jan On race day the Army riders delivered a composed and collective performance, marked by a remarkable achievement: not a single fall from any Army competitor across all three runs. Maj PJR Chishick secured overall victory, narrowly edging Capt Wallace into second and Capt Villiers-Smith into third, ensuring a clean sweep of the podium for the Army The wider team’s consistency was equally decisive. In the Prince Philip Trophy, the Army posted a commanding total time of 680.24, comfortably ahead of the Royal Navy (69875) and the Royal Air Force (69958) Winning by a margin of more than 18 seconds underscored the Army squad’s remarkable dominance; in a sport where results are normally separated by mere fractions of a second, such a margin is virtually unprecedented.
This success would not have been possible without the generous and enduring support of the sport’s stakeholders The Army Cresta community remains grateful to the AWSA for core funding, the Army Sports Lottery for grant support, the Army Central Fund for equipment provision, and the Royal Armoured Corps for grassroots participation grants The St Moritz Tobogganing Club once again provided access to the run, safe training and race opportunities, all of which underpin the Army’s development programme. Significant personal contributions from riders, alongside investment in equipment maintenance and safety gear, ensured a reliable fleet throughout the season and sustained the high standards expected of Army sport
In summary, Ex CRESTA POOL 2025 showcased Army Cresta at its best: a thriving pipeline of novices, the strongest cadre of Army top riders yet, and a composed, collective performance on the biggest stage of all The Army’s retention of the Inter Service title was a fitting reward for a few weeks of focused effort, careful coaching and unwavering team spirit, building on and developing the successes of last year’s team.
L U G E
bySergeantDerekMossREME
This year, the Army Luge Novice Camp took place in Lillehammer, Norway (Ex RACING ICE 1). The aim was to focus on developing the novice and junior sliders; however, this proved challenging on the Olympic-standard track, where athletes reach an average of 90 km/h Despite the difficult conditions, several novice sliders showed perseverance and skill, progressing through to the Army Championships and then on to the Inter Service competition.
The Army Championships (Ex RACING ICE 2) took place in Igls, where sliders competed at a high level For some, this was their first time in a competitive environment. There was some excellent sliding and strong camaraderie between competitors, but there could only be one overall winner in each category Sgt Squires REME was crowned Men’s Army Champion, Capt Wyatt RE was crowned Women’s Army Champion, LCpl Pearson RAMC was crowned Novice Champion, and LCpl Rumsby REME finished as Men’s Runner-Up.
For the Inter Service competition (Ex RACING ICE 3), the team returned to Lillehammer, Norway, accompanied by new coach Maciej Kurowski alongside long-standing coach Mike Berger The combined coaching experience and fresh perspective proved invaluable Each run was carefully analysed, with detailed feedback provided to ensure that progress was made with every descent. This professional approach enabled the athletes to reach their full potential ahead of competition day. Some outstanding racing followed, with the results as follows:
1 - RAF st
2 - Army nd
3 - Navy rd
Capt Wyatt RE was crowned Women’s Inter Service Champion, while LCpl Pearson RAMC finished as Men’s Inter Service Runner-Up
We now look forward to the 25–26 season and the opportunity to enhance our skills further.
N O R D I C
byCaptainPhillipaFranks
If there was a theme for the British Army Nordic season 2024/25, it is that we are undeniably Serious About Success Winter 2024/25 brought testing snow conditions across the breadth of the Army Biathlon and Nordic ski season, but this did little to dampen the spirit in which the season played out. After a fantastic season in 2023/24, it was brilliant to see the continued upward trajectory of Nordic across the Army, where the standard and level of competition remain high and set the conditions for athletes to perform at the highest international levels.
The season started in earnest in the early summer of 2024, with a reinvigorated Army Nordic team taking part in training camps across the country under the keen eye of team manager Capt Adam Keenan. Hand-picked from across the Corps based on performance in the 2023/24 season, it was an opportunity for experienced and novice skiers alike to dust off the cobwebs ahead of the snow arriving in December An Overseas Sports Visit to Sweden in July allowed athletes to pit themselves against each other and international competitors, serving as a solid competitive foundation before doubling down at further camps in September and October Meanwhile, young officers from across the Army were tasked with finding the next generation of untapped potential, beginning the decadesold ritual of re-rolling parade squares and donning bike helmets as their novice skiers grappled with roller skis. Our grateful thanks go to RSMs up and down the country for their continued support in this endeavour This effort was ultimately rewarded with impressive performances from both novices and returning skiers on snow in Northern Europe before Christmas. Blessed with good conditions across
across Scandinavia, the loipes proved the perfect training ground for Corps who benefitted from excellent snowfall, enabling full exploitation of the allotted IMT days One such example was the ever-popular Infantry Training Camp held in Idre Fjäll, which saw well over 100 participants skiing and shooting on World Cup-standard loipes, putting them in excellent stead for competition postChristmas Our thanks go to Corps Committees for their continued support in planning and delivering these excellent training camps, which lay the foundations for the demanding racing schedule in the New Year at the Divisional and Army Championships
Post-Christmas leave saw the return of the Divisional Championships, hosted in Les Contamines and Serre Chevalier. Slightly less favourable snow conditions in France at the time meant that the racing schedule had to be adapted However, though the loipes may have been smaller and less varied than usual, there was certainly no shortage of competition Old rivalries re-emerged with a vengeance as Cavalry Units pitted themselves against Infantry Units, the RLC locked horns with RA Units, and new Divisional Champions were crowned Clear divisions were established as 17 P&M’s Men's Team and the RLC Women's Team emerged victorious at Ex PIPEDOWN, whilst over in Serre Chevalier it was an Infantry clean sweep as 5 RIFLES Men's Team and Infantry Women’s Team secured success.
The #RoadToRuhpolding is a long and winding path, particularly for the Team Captains whose planning and organisation for the season often commence the summer before However, for those successful at the Divisional Championships, that dedication and commitment
commitment were duly rewarded with places at Ex RUCKSACK, the British National and British Army Championships Again, testing snow conditions put the committee under pressure, but under the calm guidance of Maj J Sanford, excellent racing was delivered. Deputy Comd JFC Brunssum, Lt Gen John Mead, attended the blue riband event, the Military Patrol Race, as inspecting officer, which concluded the Championships 5 RIFLES were declared Men’s Champions, finishing a huge six minutes ahead of 14 Sig Regt. The Infantry women emerged as winners by just one minute from the REME women, after another tightly fought contest
Whilst the British Army’s racing season was playing out, our elite athletes continued their success on the IBU circuits. Notable performances from OCdt Will Mead and Pte Ollie Welsh at the Junior/Youth IBU World Championships indicated that performance at the very highest level of the world stage continues to be achieved from the foundations provided by Army Nordic This was mirrored by further strong performances from LCpl Carter, RIFLES, on the IBU Cup circuit. Similarly, Capt Marcus Webb continues at great pace with his #ProjectMilan as he seeks qualification for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympic Games A careerbest performance on the IBU World Cup suggests there are great things to come, and he has our continued support as he looks ahead to the 2025/26 season.
We were also sad to see the conclusion of Brig Lee Daley’s tenure as Chair Army Nordic, as he begins a new chapter outside the military A dedicated servant to Army Nordic, Brig Lee was fundamental in driving much of the positive change the discipline has seen over the last few years. We look forward to working with Brig Chris Coton, who has succeeded him as Chair
Meanwhile, Capt Adam Keenan, ably assisted by Lt Alasdair Tutt, is forging ahead with the establishment of the Army Nordic Team. By the time of publication, Army Nordic will have representation at the Australian Defence Force Biathlon Championship – Ex COOLSHOT – for the first time in Army Nordic history With continued success at Corps and Army level, and novices through to elite athletes being supported to realise their potential through the Army Nordic pipeline, we remain Serious About Success as we look ahead to the 2025/26 season We can hardly wait for winter to arrive
Check out Army Nordic’s social media for photos and videos of the camps.
SKELETON S K E L E T O N
byCaptainLukeThornesRE(SecretaryArmySkeleton)
Novice Training Camp Lillehammer, Norway
The Lillehammer Olympiaparken was the venue for the 1994 Winter Olympics, and this year it played host to the Army Skeleton Novice Training Camps. The novice camps run in a similar fashion to both Bobsleigh and Luge, spread over two weeks, with the novice athletes able to select their preferred dates This year saw 20 new athletes take up the sport for the first time, including a sizable contingent from the Brigade of Gurkhas
Ex RACING ICE 1 aims to develop an athlete from being a complete beginner to a safe and competent slider Everyone learns the fundamentals of the sport, from maintenance and preparation of the sleds to executing steers accurately on the track
The Novice Camp was coached this year by serving athletes, who have a wealth of experience and have competed in a number of Army and Inter Service level competitions Day one of the camp saw novice athletes instructed on the correct way to set up sleds before being pushed off from Corner 7, with the advice being to feel the ice and “just accept it”. Days two and three saw the novices progressively move up the track, with starts at Corner 5 and Junior Start seeing speeds increase to over 90 km/h By day four, all athletes were sliding from Junior Start, confidently executing a number of steers at key sections of the track. On the final day, 90% of the novices were starting from the top of the track, albeit with some heavy bruising due to a number of ‘taps’ throughout the week
Overall, Ex RACING ICE 1 was a huge success this year, with over half the novices deciding to continue with the sport.
Ex RACING ICE II Army Skeleton Champs
Igls, Austria
This season’s Army Skeleton Championships were held at the Olympic Sliding Centre in Igls, Austria Igls is one of the great sliding tracks of the world, and it was a fantastic opportunity for the team to slide there for another season, with many returning athletes already familiar with the track.
The Army Championships take place over a week-long period, with athletes having four days to hone their skills before the competition on the final day The Army Team was incredibly fortunate to have Georgie Cohen, former international Skeleton athlete, as coach for the entire week. Under Georgie’s guidance, the athletes conducted track walks, slid, and then carried out essential maintenance of the team kit each day
Everybody progressed well throughout the week, with the final day producing a close competition held over two runs. The overall results of the competition were as follows:
R E S U L T S
WOMEN
Champion – Sgt Sophia Griffin
Runner-Up – Capt Lizzy Willis
Fastest Start – Sgt Sophia Griffin
MEN
Champion – Capt Arran Holmes
Runner-Up – Cpl Conor Hoad d ki
Ex RACING ICE III
Inter Service Ice Sports Champs
Lillehammer, Norway
Back in Lillehammer for the second time this season, the Army Skeleton Team arrived well prepared, with seven men and four women ready to compete against the Navy and RAF The team also had Georgie Cohen returning as coach for the duration of the Championships. Georgie was able to draw on her extensive contacts in the sport, arranging a 30-minute video call with the British Olympic Skeleton Team, who offered some invaluable advice for the track
The Inter Service Championships took place over a two-week period, with athletes from all three services given ample time to progress from Junior Start to a full sprint from the top of the track This time allowed all members of the team to gain real value from Georgie’s coaching, with everybody improving day by day.
The competition was held over the final two days, with times totalled across four runs per person The competing teams consisted of five
Two more sliders were awarded their Army Colours this season, marking their second year competing on the Army Team at the Inter Service Championships The following were awarded Army Colours:
Capt Eleanor Prior REME
Sgt Sophia Griffin RAMS
A huge congratulations to all who took part in the Inter Service Ice Sports Championships this season, with special thanks to Georgie Cohen for coaching the team throughout. Thanks must also go to Capt Arran Holmes for his first successful season as Army Skeleton Chair, and to Cpl Conor Hoad for taking on the role of Kit Manager and revolutionising the way kit is checked and maintained
If you would like to get involved with British Army Skeleton in the upcoming season, you can apply directly through the AWSA website You can also follow the team and see regular updates via Instagram The AWSA page will be updated regularly, with information regarding the upcoming season to be published soon. For more information about British Army Skeleton, please contact Capt Luke Thornes (Secretary) or drop us a message on our Instagram page We look forward to e
SNOWBOARD
FROM INSTRUCTING TO COMPETING FROM INSTRUCTING TO COMPETING FROM INSTRUCTING TO COMPETING
Rather than the usual season round-up, this year we’ve handed the story over to the riders themselves. Through their voices, you’ll hear how the Army Snowboarding season unfolded.
The majority of the Army Team riders have gone from being novices at their Corps camp to competing at the Army Championships. Alongside this, they have usually undertaken instructor training to help facilitate the sport within the Army and keep it alive The team composition this year was no different, but there were plenty of new faces eager to improve and impress
Cpl Brandon Finch:
The winter season 24/25 began at the REME Snowboarding Camp, Ex SUPREME GLACIER, in Stubai, Austria During the first week of instructor development, I attended BASI Level 2 (instructor qualification) and successfully passed Three weeks later, with numerous teaching hours under my belt, I was fortunate enough to be selected to represent the REME at the Army Champs (Ex SNOWJACK) and was given the title of Team Captain During the two weeks of competition, the team and I won several exciting events, including the brandnew 12 Peaks Challenge, and we took home 2nd place overall as a team. As we were getting the snowboards prepped and ready for storage at the end, the Army Team Manager, WO1 Dale Gallagher, approached me to say I’d made the cut to join the Army Team and head to Méribel, France, for the Inter Service Snow Sports Championships (ISSSC)
During this time, I was also fortunate enough to be teaching on several Corps camps and competing at the Army Champs for the RA, not winning quite as many team titles as the REME! Back from a season off due to injury, I was happy to have gained a spot back on the Army Team Plenty of new faces joined the team this year, yet the team buzz was as though we had been together for years.
First up was Boardercross.
With snowboards prepped and excited new members ready to take on the other services, we set off from Flachau to Méribel A slight hiccup in the journey, thanks to a landslide on the main (and only) road to reach many ski resorts, resulted in a rather long detour. After camping out in vehicles on the road and a stopover in Geneva for the majority of the team, we regrouped in Méribel on the morning of the Boardercross qualifiers A quick turnaround for all, including scraping race boards and swapping bindings, and we headed up on the lift as a team, showing the other services that the delays had not affected us Everyone qualified, with the men taking five spots in the top ten, and we went into race day strong Despite a disputed final, no Army men made the podium, but it was the team result that counted. Team gold for the men in the first event was just what we needed. The women also performed well, with Capt Lisa Gibson and LBdr Jordan Buckley taking 2nd and 3rd respectively This also secured a team gold for the women
LBdr Jordan Buckley:
Cpl Brandon Finch:
A quick turnaround from race boards to freestyle boards and we headed up for a training day For me, my board prefers a racecourse, so I positioned myself up the hill to support the team (six out of the ten men competed in Slopestyle). Once again we missed out on an individual podium, but this time we took 2nd place as a team. Still buzzing from a great day, our focus switched back to racing
Bdr Jordan Buckley:
Slopestyle was a discipline I wasn’t sure I would be competing in this year, due to mental blocks after injury. However, with full support from the whole team and our Captain, Capt Lisa Gibson, my name was entered (four out of the six women competed in Slopestyle) It was a tough field as the women’s competition is becoming more technical in the park After the first run it was all very close, but then Lisa pulled it out of the bag and took 1st place overall. The team event this time went to the RAF, which was very well earned There was amazing progression in the park this season from everyone on the team
Finally, the fan favourite to watch: Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS).
Cpl Brandon Finch:
Slalom is my favourite discipline, but first we had to get through the qualifiers The fastest eight men in the first run went through to the final I had a shocker of a first run, which meant nerves were high for the second. With the team behind me, I managed to qualify in 10th overall. After a quick turnaround of scraping and rewaxing boards in the afternoon, the night slalom was upon us I don’t think I have ever been on a run this steep, let alone raced it We conducted an inspection run of the courses and rode the dreaded poma
back to the start Staying on my feet, I was ready for my first race Sadly, it was Army vs Army and I had to face the Team Manager, WO1 Dale Gallagher To my surprise, I beat him over the line. The next race came, and the next, and with the support of the team at the bottom and the adrenaline pumping, I raced my way into 3rd place Army rider SSgt Dave Grant took 1st place, and sharing the podium with him was incredible What a night
Bdr Jordan Buckley:
For the women, the fastest four qualified from the first run, and I narrowly missed out, finishing 5th. Back to the top for a second run it was, and I gave it my all, narrowly qualifying in 8th Being back on the stade was a thrill, and I had forgotten just how steep and icy this slope was My first race was against the No1 seed, Cpl Natalie Fields (RAF). I gave it my all in both runs and, as close as it was, it wasn’t my year in the Slalom. I took my place at the bottom with the rest of the team to cheer on those still racing The sound of cowbells, teammates cheering, and the floodlights lighting up the snow created an incredible atmosphere to be in, racing or not. Unfortunately, the RAF women pipped us again and won the team event.
It was a fantastic week for the team, which included many new faces Team spirit stayed high throughout, and the Army Men retained their title as overall Team Champions. Thank you to our sponsors, Team Manager, Team Captains and coach for keeping us all heading in the right direction and ensuring a fantastic season
Cpl Brandon Finch:
I had an incredible season this year and hope to replicate it again in years to come. Closing off my season, I achieved two team golds and an individual bronze at the Inter Services. From starting the season improving my riding and teaching newcomers to competing for the Army for the first time was great, and I still can’t quite believe it
Bdr Jordan Buckley:
An amazing season that ended with being selected for the UKAF Team and competing at the British Championships. From injury to now, it has been a real journey, and without the support of the team I wouldn’t have achieved it It’s great to see new faces join the team and to help them navigate the highs and lows of competing at this level.
This winter, Army Telemark has gone from strength to strength. It has been a season of victories, breakthroughs, and, above all, proof that when you free the heel, you unlock far more than just a new way of skiing
What Makes Telemark Different?
Ask anyone who has tried it: the first time you lock your toes into the Tele bindings feels both liberating and daunting Telemark skiing combines the grace of Alpine carving with the style of cross-country langlauf skiing Every turn is a lunge, every descent a test of balance, strength, and stamina. And when you nail it, the feeling is unmatched.
That is why Army Telemark is not just about racing It is about challenge, progression, and soldiering spirit Whether you are a seasoned Telemark racer, an Alpine skier looking for something fresh, or a novice keen to try skiing for the first time, Telemark rewards grit and determination
The Army Telemark Women's Team exemplifies everything outlined above The investment in equipment, the ability of the Women’s Captain (Maj Lori Seed RA) to develop internal talent while attracting Alpine skiers to transition to free-heel skiing, and the esprit de corps of Army Telemark have resulted in their victory at the Inter Service Snow Sports Championships (ISSSC)
Many bluebird days brought stunning vistas across the Vanoise National Park, providing excellent conditions for training and competitive racing during Ex TELEMARK TITAN Experienced teams from the Royal Engineers, the South West Officer Training ggg
Regiment (Exeter UOTC), and other Units ensured a competitive spirit. Throughout the event, we also hosted the Royal Navy Telemark Team, which added relish to the racing and banter at après-ski The inclusion of the Royal Navy also meant that International Women’s Day was a truly joint affair.
While the hill team worked tirelessly in subzero conditions (temperatures reached -12°C), the racing was fiercely competitive The Source Championship Giant Slalom was hotly contested, with racers displaying finesse, accuracy, stamina, and courage. There were a few falls at the jump, but fortunately no injuries. In the individual competition, OCdt Georgia-Lili Robertson SWOTR came first, Maj Lori Seed RA took second, and Capt Alex Hankinson RE placed third WO2 Danny Johnson RE was the Fastest Male, with Spr Zac Vitty RE second and Capt Joseph Richards RE third.
The Arondite Championship Sprint and SNC Mission Systems UK Championship Classic presented the added challenge of a 360degree turn (the loom) and a skate section The loom is a difficult obstacle, where the racer must enter with enough speed to exit with momentum before the skating section, but not so much that it launches them into the safety netting All racers trained on the loom prior to the race, with only a few needing to be retrieved from minor entanglements On race days, every competitor’s legs were burning as they negotiated the loom and then skated with lung-bursting effort to the finish line.
In the Sprint, the result for the ladies followed the script: OCdt Georgia-Lili Robertson SWOTR first, Maj Lori Seed RA second, and Capt Alex gg
Hankinson RE third. In the men’s race, WO2
Danny Johnson RE took first, Capt Joseph Richards RE second, and Lt Col Daz Howells RE third The Classic result again saw OCdt Georgia-Lili Robertson SWOTR as the Best of the Day, with Maj Jen Kehoe RE displaying her Olympic experience to claim a very close second and Maj Lori Seed RA third. WO2
Danny Johnson RE was victorious again, with Lt Col Daz Howells RE and Capt Joseph Richards RE close behind
Those who had not qualified and remained within the development squad had the opportunity to race the SNC Mission Systems UK Development Classic The only difference between the Championship Classic and the Development Classic was that 80 metres of vertical drop were removed from the top section of the course. This meant the start gate was on the edge of the steepest part of the course, requiring courage from those new to the sport to push off, seeing a jump 100 metres below followed by the loom in the distance Excellent racing resulted, with AB Amy Tarver first, OCdt Rosie Brown second, and Gnr Olivia Taylor third. In the men’s race, Maj Tam Watson, LCpl Sam Wariner, and Lt Col Garrett O’Leary took the top spots.
The final rankings were as follows: Junior Champion went to OCdt Peter Cartwright SWOTR, Army Novice Champion to OCdt Hayden Thomson SWOTR, and Individual Women’s and Men’s Champions to OCdt Georgia-Lili Robertson SWOTR and WO2
Danny Johnson RE respectively The Team Combination went to 28 Cdo RE and the Corps Combination to the Royal Engineers Special mention goes to Gnr Olivia Taylor RA, who received the Best Development award, having never skied before and then achieving a fantastic result in the Development Classic.
The final race of TELEMARK TITAN was the mountain race, in which individuals or teams completed a circuit in the best possible time The route is designed so that the skier must use the full utility of the Telemark binding, earning their turns by ascending, then traversing, before descending Always fun, the event exposes competitors to the applicability of Telemark as a military capability
At the ISSSC in Méribel, the Army Women's Team were crowned Champions, with Spr Georgia Binnington RE first and Maj Lori Seed RA third The men narrowly missed first place, finishing a very commendable second, with the Best Newcomer awarded to Capt Joseph Richards RE
Army Telemark would like to thank all those behind the scenes who make this sport possible: Pralognan-la-Vanoise for hosting us, the AWSA for their endless support, and Maj (Retd) Martin Triggol RM, our Technical Delegate, who keeps us safe. A very special mention is also needed to recognise the contribution of Lt Col Daz Howells RE to Army Telemark Like most Army competitors, he was introduced to Telemark skiing through its military application in Norway, where it is the way to move over snow with heavy equipment He has represented the Army for over 14 years during his career and has been a stalwart member, and then Captain, of the Army Team for many years We wish him all the best for his retirement and many bluebird days ahead
