ARRC NEWS
Snowmaster 2025
Maj Wyke Boersma
The diversity of exercises, training, courses, and activities offered at the ARRC is a great benefit of working here. This year, we were very lucky to be able to go to Sestriere, Italy, to practice and improve our skiing abilities.
Most of the time, when travelling with ARRC, we have to gather early in the morning mustering at the Officers’ Mess. It’ s my belief that the intention was to get us used to the cold temperatures, but it also allowed us to prepare everything we needed for skiing the next day after a day of traveling.
We were divided into three groups based on our abilities and set out to explore the mountains. Although some of us made a mistake on the slope or took the wrong lift, we all felt content after leaving the slopes.
I participated in the Ski Foundation Level 2 with a focus on‘ off-piste’ skiing. After two days on our regular skis, we swapped them for touring ski equipment. We got acquainted with our new skis and started to do a lot of practice on the Tiefschnee next to the slope. Although this looks easier than it is, it provided many laughable situations, with a loss of balance, losing one or both skis, or a simple face plant in the snow.
Along with the technique, we trained the safety procedures in case of an avalanche. Everyone was equipped with a probe and beacon, specifically for this purpose. The beacon sends and receives a signal from under the snow, whilst the probe is used to locate a person deep in the snow. And of course, a shovel for digging. Our instructor managed to find a spot with a lot of snow, and a beacon was buried out of our sight. We conducted the drills and successfully recovered the beacon within the specified time frame.
On Thursday, we were ready to start our big tour. We found a beautiful route outside the slopes with some nice off-piste skiing. We all made it down safely, with, sadly, one minor injury due to a spectacular fall. Since there are no lifts outside the slopes, we needed to walk up the hill on our skis. The tour skis are specifically designed for this. For me, this was
a new activity, and a very nice experience. Despite being physically demanding. I am confident that with some improvements in technique, it will become easier.
It was a wonderful week, with a lot of skiing, lovely company and great food on and off the slopes.
14 SUMMER 2025 the imjin @ HQARRC NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps @ HQARRC