Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 12
2 RIFLES
EX FROSTED BLADE 40:
HIGH SPEED, HIGH STAKES
STRONG RESULTS
Exercise FROSTED BLADE remains the
Infantry’s premier Alpine ski training and
competition event, held annually in Val
d’Isère, one of the world’s leading ski
resorts. The 2025/26 season marked its 40th
iteration, introducing officers and soldiers to
the demands of Alpine ski racing.
The exercise pushes individuals beyond
their comfort zones, testing physical courage,
resilience, and technical skill. Competitors
routinely exceed speeds of 100 km/h on
Olympic-standard pistes, with gradients
Ex ALPINE
SKIRMISH:
2 RIFLES Conquer
the Alps
Ex Alpine Skirmish saw the Battalion
deploy to the French Alps. Upon
arrival and a brief attention shifted
quickly to acclimatisation and
preparation for training.
Training began immediately.
Beginner groups conducted ski issue
and an introduction to fundamentals,
and early sessions were marked
by frequent falls; but determination
prevailed. By the end of day one, all
had completed a green run, returning
tired but with growing confidence.
Intermediate groups refined
technique, focusing on posture, edge
control, and movement on steeper
terrain, supported by mountain safety
training and companion rescue drills.
The advanced group operated
across challenging runs before
progressing to DVA training, off-piste
work, and ski touring. Their overnight
deployment to Refuge du Fond des
Fours provided a demanding test of
operating in alpine conditions.
Progress was evident throughout.
The exercise concluded with a final
day on the slopes and a Battalion
photograph in Tignes. Personnel
returned tired, slightly bruised, but
with high morale and a clear sense of
achievement, already looking ahead
to next year.
12 RIFLES The Bugle
over 25 degrees. It develops key soldiering
attributes: determination, bravery, and
composure under pressure.
2 RIFLES performed strongly throughout
training and the Qualifying Championships,
narrowly missing selection for the Divisional
finals in Serre Chevalier. Both A and B Hill
teams secured silverware, with LCpl Dixon
taking 1st place in the Junior Slalom.
The Battalion’s novice skiers, Rfn Smyth and
Rfn Fryett, sustained injuries during preliminary
training but still demonstrated determination
and made notable progress. Their absence
from competition was keenly felt.
On the A Hill, competitors raced across
all four disciplines. Rfn Osmond emerged as
the standout performer, consistently placing
within the top 50 and later securing a Slalom
podium.
Cpl Chamberlain, a returning competitor,
mentored junior skiers and was recognised
with the award for most improved Downhill
seeding, moving from 104 to 44.
FROSTED BLADE remains a highly
valuable training opportunity, delivering clear
development across all levels and reinforcing
core soldiering skills.
