Skiing, 'Northern Geo Adventure', France, Jan 2011, ID 1045

32 Signal Regiment (V)

If you’re craving the kind of excitement you can’t get from a nine-to-five job, the Territorial Army could be just what you’re looking for. And there’s never been a better time to join, because the TA has adventures to offer that will open your eyes to a challenging new world. Joining the TA can give you the best of both worlds; if you’re keen on the challenge and excitement of the Army, but you cannot commit full time.

Members of 32 Signal Regiment (Volunteers) had a taste of that real excitement.

They’ve left their civilian jobs behind temporarily, to be part of EXERCISE NORTHERN GEO ADVENTURE, in La Tania, France. The exercise consisted of a week’s ski training in order to help develop, through authorised challenging pursuits, the leadership and qualities necessary to enhance the performance of military personnel in the region of Courchevel, 3 Valleys.

Upon arrival at Geneva and a two hour transfer by bus to La Tania, soldiers finally arrived at their accommodation for the week at ‘Residence de la Britannia’ Apartments. The advanced party had already arrived with all equipment and luggage.

The first evening was spent being briefed on what was happening during the week’s activity, outlining the training programme and events planned.

The next morning was an early start for some; a quick spot of administration first - those who needed clothing, ski’s and boots, etc, were issued the equipment, whilst the others (who owned their own equipment) enjoyed the luxury of an extra hour in bed and a leisurely start to their day! With everyone ‘kitted up’ the real fun could begin - ‘skiing’. The rest of the morning was spent on the Nursery Slopes being assessed for levels of competence. Three groups were formed: those with ‘the Basic Ski Alpine’ (or above qualification), competent skiers but unqualified and total beginners.

Two groups set off up the La Tania cable car, then chair lift to ‘Col De La Loze’, where each soldier warmed-up before embarking on a easy blue run which would take them down the mountain to ‘Chenus’. The beginner group remained on the Nursery Slope, learning basic skills. Meanwhile, the more advanced group explored the surrounding valleys further. Other routes were explored giving each skier a chance to practise techniques in turning and controlling speed, some found this easier than others! This set the pace for the rest of the exercise. By the end of the first day all had several blue runs under their belts and most felt more confident in turning and controlling their skis as well as finding some new muscles they were unaware of!

After a fun day by ‘all’ a light refreshment was called for in a very convenient placed ‘The Ski Lodge Pub’ directly under the apartments. Here we could catch up with the other groups and their experiences, allowing time to share tips and advice; this was a foundation setting routine for the rest of the week!

Over the next few days skiing techniques progressed quickly. Moving from the blue to red routes, comfortably, gaining new skills and improving existing ones, thanks to the expert advice from the instructors. The Advanced group spent their time expanding their tally of routes and continuing to explore the furthest areas of the Courchevel valley.

The week had many highlights and memorable events, usually involving the tricky skill of embarking and disembarking the ski lift systems. 'One member of the advanced group attempted to be the sixth person on a five-seat chair lift. This resulted in him being left flailing around, held only by his day-sack and falling in a rather undignified manner.’ Leaving the rest of his party in hysterics. On another occasion a ‘Physical Training Instructor purposely left his ski pass in the accommodation, in order to show his group how to do the Physical Fitness Test in ski boots’. All showed their appreciation for his endeavours with a suitable response.

The week concluded with a meal to a local restaurant in order to celebrate the achievements of the week. The food was a welcome change from being the room ‘duty chef’ in the apartments. The Commanding Officer did the honours in his best ‘French’ ordering dinner and drinks for all. But sadly the evening signalled that the end of the expedition was near.

The last day’s skiing saw the beginner and middle group combined to help develop the junior’ skiers’ techniques.  After the daily lunch stop all skier’s joined forces together for a definitive ski before finally heading back to La Tania. The evening was spent packing and cleaning each apartment, ready for the ‘Regimental Sergeant Major’s’ inspection, as an early departure in the morning was planned. At 06:00hrs the next morning all but three boarded the transport for the return journey to the United Kingdom.

During the week’s exercise nine members of the Regiment gained their ‘Basic Ski Proficiency (Alpine)’. The exercise was fantastic, giving individuals various challenges in an Alpine region of France with a full range of weather and ski conditions experienced.

Finally, no exercise would be possible without the financial support from external agencies and a massive thanks has to go to the Ulysses Trust for their generous grant and hard work.