The Royal Signals Reserves offers a huge range of sport and adventure training opportunities, as twenty-one members of 71 Sig Regt found out this winter. They headed off to Flaine in the French Alps for a week of Ski Foundation 1 and 2 training. Flaine is one of the highest resorts in the French Alps, and is famous for its snow conditions and sunshine, and it did not disappoint!
Thanks to the great instruction by SSgt D Cooper, an SQMS within the Regt who had recently passed his Ski Leader 1 course, a group of novices had the opportunity to challenge themselves in a sport that would ordinarily have cost a lot of money to try. Lt Ian Dawes, a project manager in civilian life, had never skied before and said, ‘What a week! It is so much harder than it looks and at times it has been emotional but really fun. I am really happy that I can now confidently ski a blue run.' Ian was awarded 'Most Improved Skier' alongside Sig A Lovett, who throughout the week worked very hard and came on in leaps and bounds. Despite the hard work, there was plenty of good humour and many new skiers found it very rewarding, like LCpl J Rideout, who initially struggled to turn, much to everyone’s amusement!
The more experienced skiers were taught by Capt C Henderson in the Ski Foundation 2 group and also learnt new techniques while they were working hard on the slopes. LCpl T Burrell, a civil engineer at Gatwick, said, ‘I can’t believe how much my skiing has improved. I feel more confident, more in control and have really enjoyed pushing myself to my physical limits.' LCpl Isaac Tweedale, an accountant from London, who learned to ski with his family was also impressed with how much he developed. ‘The level of instruction was great and I am a much more confident skier after this week, I would highly recommend it to anyone in the Reserves if the opportunity arises.'
The week was organised by Lt L Tunnicliff, a civil servant in her day job, an Army level netball player and Corps skier. She ran the trip brilliantly and deserves a massive 'thank you' from everyone involved. They are all already looking forward to next year…
Find out what the Army Reserves can offer you!
1.jpeg "71 Sig Regt on the slopes")
