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Skiing, 'Lynx Glacier 2', Austria, Feb 2011, ID 1066

39 Signal Regiment (Volunteers)

30 members of 39th Signal Regiment (Volunteers) completed a seven day skiing exercise in Zell-am-Zee in Austria in February 2011. Exercise Lynx Glacier allowed TA soldiers of all different levels to learn and in some cases improve their skiing skills in a demanding and challenging environment. For five soldiers it was their first ever attempt at skiing. The exercise enabled soldiers and officers to gain the Joint Service Basic Ski Proficiency exam and also the Advanced Ski Proficiency exam. Apart from the physical side of the course out on the slopes, all students took part in classroom work in the evening on such subjects as mountain and environmental safety and technical ski maintenance.

The group was accommodated in a local youth hostel and had access to several ski slopes in the Kaprun glacier and Kitzsteinhorn ski areas around Zell. This enabled total beginners as well as advanced skiers to hone their skills. The principles of adventurous training encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones, improving team cohesion and esprit de corps as well as pushing personal fitness and confidence. As well as being fun, the training also has the key benefit of ultimately preparing the soldiers and officers for mobilised service.

At the end of the week after completing the exams on the slopes, a small slalom race was completed with a timed run. The aim was to introduce students to ski racing and encourage them to take part in the Royal Signals Corps ski championships held annually in Austria. 39th Signal Regiment (Volunteers) are the current Royal Signals TA champions and are keen to get new skiers to compete in this very competitive sport.

On the last evening a prize giving evening and meal in a local tavern gave the skiers a chance to take in some of the Austrian culture and relax before the return drive back to the UK early the next morning! Best novice, most improved skier and star of the week were presented with their cups and ski kit bags. Sig Chris Klass, Sgt Scotty Doyle and Sig Carla Tier won these prizes respectively!

Organising Officer Major Keiron Francis said "Alpine Skiing offers the chance to push yourself physically and mentally in often harsh environments, as well as encouraging teamwork, unit cohesion and developing soldiers at all stages of their career. It is also a chance earmark and encourage students to go on to become instructors and give back to other units and future serving military personnel."

Warrant Officer Class 2 Dave Allan of Oxford UOTC, Chief Skiing Instructor for the exercise stated "Adventure Training in the Army is very important in introducing people to new sports and pastimes, taking them out of their comfort zone by bringing an element of danger and fear into the activities. This enhances their moral and physical courage which benefits both the military as well as their civilian employers by developing these personnel as individuals."

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Lynx Glacier II/The Group