The team was split into two groups with the advanced group being introduced to touring skis whilst carrying bergens. The novices had a gentler introduction with a morning just with the skis followed by an afternoon carrying day-sacks. Both groups had a number of spectacular falls with WO2 Kavanagh managing to smash his goggles with the end of his ski pole (whilst still wearing them) and Cpl Todd skied up behind the CO and took his legs from under him. The novice group also had its amusement with both LCpl Lewis and WO2 Crooks hugging trees before sliding backwards down the slope with ski’s and poles in the air. Sgt Blackley thought it would be a good idea for the novices to try a Black run for the first time with their day-sacks – thanks! This resulted in Cpl Smith having a spectacular fall half way down the black run loosing her skis and sliding down the run for a short distance face first. The Joker hat was awarded to Cpl Smith after some diplomatic nominations from the instructors.

Over the next 3 days the groups covered the technical aspects of ski touring and completed 2 tours in average temperatures of -17°C. "Rutsch" blocks were constructed to test the suitability of the slope for skiing. Transceiver searches were carried out by splitting down into pairs, one burying their "pieps" transceiver and the other finding it. This was then consolidated by a larger scale group search of a simulated avalanche in which the "casualty" (Cpl Pevitt’s rucksack) wearing the "pieps" was successfully located. Avalanche drills and probe searches were practiced and training on emergency survival shelters and casualty evacuation drills was conducted. The final task of the 3 days training saw the group split into 3 teams, 3 different casualty stretchers were constructed and a 500m race back to the minibus was initiated.

The 2 day expedition was to be in the area of Sunshine Village. After a quick ground brief it was time to get on the Mt Standish chair lift to the start point for the expedition. A short downhill ski into the next valley, on fresh powder snow, was an interesting experience considering the majority of the groups bergens weighed around 20 kg each! Once at the bottom of the valley, after dusting of the powder snow, it was time to put the "seal skins" (which can only be described as carpets on the bottom of the skis) on and start the uphill journey to the overnight location. Lunchtime saw the arrival of the group, after many venting and water stops, at the overnight location. The following 3hrs were spent on instruction of snow holes and "digging in". Quite surprisingly it was a mild -1^oC inside the snow hole compared to the -22^oC outside. So with bellies full of food and hot drinks it was time for bed at 1800hrs! The night had passed very well with no casualties. It was amazing as to how quiet it was when you were actually inside the snow hole and some members of the group had had their best nights sleep so far. With a swift breakfast and some hot drinks consumed the group sat out side their snow holes to watch the sunrise. As our instructors had promised the view of the sun rising over the Rocky Mountains lighting up the valley we were in was breathtaking. So with snow holes collapsed and bergens packed it was time to move before everyone froze. The route used to return was spectacular as the group contoured around the summit of Mt Standish finally dropping down into the Sunshine village area. A very special thank you, again, must be given to Sgt Blackley as he decided to take the novice group down a blue run (with 20kg bergens) into Sunshine! After a short break it was time to get on the minibus to head for Canmore to return the Ski hire equipment.

WO2 DA McCorkindale RE, Expedition leader