Armed Forces take on French Alps as they prepare for Snow Sports Championships
British forces skiers have been practising and preparing on the slopes of the French Alps ahead of the Inter-Service Snow Sports Championships in Méribel.
They are now in the Three Valleys, France's biggest ski resort and the world's largest connected ski area.
The team will be competing in slalom racing – a competitive skiing event where athletes navigate a downhill course marked by tightly spaced gates, requiring quick and precise turns – it's considered one of the most technical events in alpine skiing due to its focus on agility and control.
Having completed giant slalom (GS) races and training, they're taking on the Super giant slalom (Super G) – a combination of both GS and downhill skiing – the fastest and most exhilarating race which can involve jumps, drops, and sharp turns.
The differences between the GS and the Super G is in speed, course layout and technical requirements.
Super G is faster than GS because the gates are spread further out down the slope, allowing for greater speed although the closer gates in the GS require sharper and more frequent turns.
Despite some intense runs and heavy training in Val D'Isere, Méribel will push the skiers to new levels.
The Inter-Service Snow Sports Championships, which is taking place in the first week of February, brings together personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.
They'll be competing in disciplines such as alpine skiing, telemark skiing, and snowboarding – providing personnel with opportunities to develop and demonstrate their skills.
Private Ezme Tiley is from 3rd Battalion, The Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, the reservist military unit, and has been brushing up her skills practising in Val D'Isere.
"So we're doing our giant slalom seeding event, it's the initial race in order to place us for when the race season starts," she said.
"This is giant slalom – you weave in and out of the red flags. Depending on what order we place today, is where we'll start in future. So, the lower you are, the better you are."
As soldiers raced down the mountain, a palpable sense of excitement and nervous anticipation filled the air, setting the stage for the high-stakes weeks ahead.
Each athlete's time was measured as they descended, their results announced loudly over a booming microphone for all to hear.
The conditions in Val D'Isere have been excellent for the GS, with a fresh dumping of snow and temperatures well below freezing.
The past few days proved slightly warmer causing the snow to melt – which means slush and ice.
Soldiers' ski skills have been tested to new limits and it's important they maintain control and safety ahead of the event in Méribel.
Spectators are welcome to watch, and attendance is free.
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