Skiing was based at the St Ulrich and Fiebebrunn ski areas. The beginners group trained around St Ulrich in cross country and alpine ski techniques with an Austrian instructor. This involved snow holing.

The intermediate groups skied at St Ulrich and Fiebebrunn, although, due to the heavy snow fall, the upper levels of the ski area were closed. However, there was plenty of powder snow to concentrate on in the lower levels. These groups also took part in a snow shoe trek, led by an Austrian Guide and SSgt Tim Abbott who is an Arctic Warfare Instructor. During the trek, they were instructed in digging snow holes, avalanche awareness, and search drills. Snow shoeing is not as simple as you would think. Descending steep slopes in deep snow proved to be difficult with many a trip.

The advanced group members skied at St Ulrich and Fiebebrunn. They were introduced to ski touring by SSgt Pete Harris (Tour Leader Trained) and an Austrian Guide. This was conducted on marked, unpisted ski routes. They also concentrated on emergency snow holing, avalanche awareness and rescue drill.

During the evenings, there were lessons in The Ski Code, cold weather injuries, ski maintenance and Alpine racing. After the lessons, we participated in the following activities: sledging down a 3km marked sledge route (this proved to be the most dangerous sport), ice climbing up a telegraph pole covered in ice, skidoo rides up a ski slope, riding down on an inflated inner-tube, and attending a snow show organised by the local ski school. Our instructor Pete Harris was included. He skied in formation with 9 other Austrian Ski Instructors while flying the Corps Colours. The Biathlon and Ice Go-karting had to be cancelled due to the heavy snow fall which made travel during the evenings too dangerous. However the Biathlon was replaced with an evening’s cross country tour around the Pillersee Lake.

On the Friday everyone attempted the pay-as-you-go slalom. The beginning of the course is quite serious, and the beginners have to be complemented on completing the course.

The expedition was a great success. The variety of ski disciplines and locations allowed the instructors to choose the best training area demanded by the local weather. The accommodation was well placed to allow the minimum amount of travel time to and from the training areas. All members of the expedition enjoyed themselves and gained ski qualifications, as well as new experiences. This expedition has developed personalities, improved teamwork and proved a tremendous incentive for the retention and recruitment of soldiers.