05. 2019 EX NORTHERN WINTER RUSH (4)

B (DLOY) SQN QOY

EX NORTHERN WINTER RUSH (4)

2 – 9 FEBRUARY 2019

Between the 2 - 9 February 2019, B (DLOY) Squadron of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry organised and led a regimental skiing expedition to Germany to qualify soldiers to Ski Foundation Levels 1 and 2 (SF1, SF2) and for those who had previously gained SF1 for them to undertake additional instruction, which is known as SF1 continuation. The destination was Oberstdorf, Germany’s most southern winter sports resort and training area located in the Allgäu region of the Bavarian Alps. It is one of the most modern and extensive ski resorts in the area. The ski slopes used during the exercise were the Fellhorn, Kanzelwand, Nebelhorn, Sollereck, Walmendingerhorn and Ifen, which all offer pistes for all levels of ability. The region offers around 130km of slopes along with 75km of cross-country ski trails. The ski region is more formerly known as Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal and offers the opportunity to ski over the border into Austria. The twenty-nine troopers, NCOs and officers from the QOY, LDs and other attached units were able to visit different resorts each day and were led under the tuition of three instructors; Major Stuart Young (SF1), Maj Richard Lenton (SF1 continuation) and Capt Tony Wilmore (SF2).

B Sqn were undertaking SF1 and SF2 training in this area for the fourth consecutive year and support from the permanent staff, instructors and students was vital in ensuring the exercise was a success. Further to gaining SF qualifications the instructors were able to identify future potential Ski Leaders and advise them on what path they should follow to accomplice this. In line with a more holistic army outlook, the expedition developed their understanding and practice of values and standards, leadership, teaching skills, teamwork, fitness, moral and physical courage along with improving their confidence and interpersonal skills.

The soldiers assembled at Manchester airport on the afternoon of the 2^nd February where they boarded their flight for Nuremburg, which is in central Germany and approximately 3 - 4 hours’ drive north of Oberstdorf. On arrival they were met by members of the permanent staff and were driven to the exercise location. On arrival in Oberstdorf, the vehicles were unloaded and the advance party, who had driven over the previous day, directed each soldier to their respective rooms in Gastehaus zur Farbe apartments. The Gastehaus is a comfortable aparthotel with en-suites and bed spaces for between two to four people per room. It is also situated within a short walk of the local amenities, such as the ski hire shop, supermarket, town centre and certain ski slopes.

Once the soldiers had unpacked their bags, they assembled in the dining area for a short brief and refreshments. The brief related to rules regarding the accommodation, H&S, fire and security along with other expedition-specific protocols. After an exhausting day of travel everyone retired to their rooms for a good night’s rest prior to getting up and preparing themselves for their first day of skiing tuition under their relevant instructors. The party was split into the relevant SF groups depending on their experience and qualifications. This was followed by getting them sized up and issued with their clothing and skiing equipment. Each day’s instruction would follow its own syllabus under the instructors’ direction, allowing each soldier to progress as the week went on until they finally gained their respective qualifications on the final day.

The SF1 course is an introduction to the basics of skiing and begins with the students learning about the various pieces of equipment they will use and ski etiquette whilst on the slopes. Following this they are taught how to ski, first learning how to walk on skis, negotiate the button or T-bar to get them to the top of the learner slope and then finally how to snow plough, turn and stop. Once they have gained enough experience the students will then move on to learning how to parallel ski, stop, turn and carve. SF1 continuation group focussed on building what had been learned above with more emphasis on developing their carving and parallel turns. They also learned how to display an awareness of their positioning on the mountain and were given the opportunity to lead their group using navigation skills.

Sergeant Clayton commented, “This is my second year of skiing and although I have been in the Army Reserves for a number of years, skiing was just one of those adventure training activities that just passed me by. At the time, it just never seemed right, probably due to thinking it wasn’t for me and there is always next year”. He continued to say, “two years ago I needed a blow out, so I decided to give it a go and having experienced the thrill of being able to ski on my own I was hooked. I subsequently gained my SF1 qualification and immediately signed up to returning back for SF1 continuation, which I have successfully done now and look forward to progressing to SF2 level next year.”

The SF2 course was the most advanced level of skiing qualification that could be obtained on this expedition. The main emphasis was more of touring and survival in very arduous conditions. Again, the group were introduced to a set of different equipment from skins which attach to the sole of the skis to allow you to walk uphill and undertake touring. Avalanche transceivers and probes which assists in recovering someone who is unfortunate to have been caught in an avalanche and buried under the snow. The group were then given opportunities to teach the skills they had learnt at SF1 level to prepare themselves for attending SF3 and ultimately their Ski Leader courses.

Trooper Buckley remarked, “The SF2 course was very difficult and exhausting at times; walking up the mountains can be surreal, however getting to your intended location in one piece was very rewarding. The instructor was outstanding and took his time to explain everything in detail and if you were still unsure about any particular points, he would go over them as many times as needed”. He continued to say, “what sticks in my mind most was when the instructor said, “if you walk away not understanding how to remain safe and survive on the mountain in horrendous weather conditions then not only will your life be in danger, but that of those who you are leading.” “I cannot thank the instructor or the permanent staff enough for the experience I had in Oberstdorf and I am really looking forward to gaining further skiing qualifications next year.”

On the penultimate evening of the exercise, the whole cohort went to the Traube restaurant to dine and undertake individual presentations. Apart from congratulating everyone on a successful week skiing each instructor presented best and most improved awards to members of their groups. Additionally, an award was given to the student who had taken the best photograph. On the final day, the rooms were handed back to the hotel staff and the expedition party headed back North to Nuremburg airport. However once in Nuremburg a window of opportunity presented itself to visit several WW2 significant locations in the city. The visits included, Kongresshalle, Zeppelin Field and Luitpold Arena where the Nazi Party Rallies were held, the Palace of Justice where the Nuremburg Trials were held and the memorial museum which details by way of pictures and sound how the trials were conducted after the end of WW2.

Overall, it was a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience for all those who took part in the exercise and the visit to the WW2 historical sites in Nuremburg. The initial goal of everyone achieving a ski qualification was met in full and they can now all look forward to attending the next level of their Ski Foundation training.

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