QUOTC – EX NORDIC BLUEBELL

QUOTC Nordic ski team (6x Officer Cadets and A Coy PSI) travelled to Sjusjoen, Norway, just outside the famous Lillehammer, seat of the 1994 Winter Olympics to attend REME Corps annual Nordic ski training camp. The initial brief, distinct lack of chairlifts, and the crushing realisation of Nordic Skiing’s proclivity for uphill, human powered travel initiated some hearty mutinous mutterings amongst the ranks. ‘A week’s skiing in Norway’ had been thoroughly misinterpreted. Our valiant Officer Cadets were sold a lie.  

Nordic Skiing has two forms, the traditional ‘classic style’ and ‘skate style’. In classic style, QUOTC’s chosen art, the binding area of the underside of one’s ski is coated with a grip wax, whilst the remainder of the ski is waxed for gliding. Weight transfer and a vigorous, yet stylish, stride and glide motion are utilised to gain forward momentum. The loupe is a parallel set of tracks cut into the snow and helps give direction to long and ungainly cross country skis. The double pole technique is another means of propulsion. Additionally, there is the “herringbone” technique, for moderate slopes, where the skier takes alternating steps with the skis splayed outwards.                                 

As well as personal development in arduous adventure training in an artic environment, ingenuity and stoicism in the face of continued frustration were engendered through other methods. The airport hire vans were woefully ill equipped to deal with any sort of snow covered incline. Not even Colin McCrae in his finest fettle could have navigated with such equipment. Ergo, it was shovels, shoving and snow chains galore. A lesson learned from the first night and to be carried forward for future expeditions.

The QUOTC novice team were assigned 2nd Lt Robson as our instructor. He witnessed a veritable transformation in 7 short days. Our misgivings about the lack of hill climbing assistance were quickly assuaged after the almost sensuous experience of the ‘kick and glide’. Some of the team were making their maiden foray into life on skis, and though eager and energetic, our protagonists limbs became frequently tangled and the extensive bruising on bony prominences would have frustrated even the most phlegmatic of first timers. As the week progressed and ability improved, heat production rose and clothing was consequently shed, trousers eschewed for racing skins, accentuating the smooth lines and lithe figures…of the REME elite team. Our instructor, with a mischievous glint in his eye, was loath to let us rest, helpfully sending those finished legs first for another lap.                                   

Nordic skiing is not for the faint of heart. Herein does not lie mid-mountain hot chocolate breaks nor high-speed gondolas. Biting, enervating cold is belayed only by zealous activity. Accordingly, rivulets of sweat cascade down ones back, shirts soaked and clinging to the aforementioned form. Lungs ache with each breath and icy needles of air pierce the sensitive skin of your face. Lactic acid is ubiquitous. The summit of a crest gives no quarter. Effort must be continuous and indefatigable. A perfect form of training, a PTI may suggest. Despite your industriousness the environment remains nonchalant and capricious. An ethereal haze of fog may dissipate or may not. The vice-like grip of winter reins supreme with 6 hours of daylight ubiquitous, paying no heed to our puerile grumblings. Notwithstanding this, credit must be given to the stunning scenery. When the sun did deign to show her face, she cast long and elegant shadows. Sunset was a twice daily extravagance. First the deep orange of every wintry hearth, melding into a blood-red scarlet, before the faintest traces of the gone day disappeared with the most delicate wisp of silken pink. A deep mauve ensued, but this was merely the vanguard of the gathering night whose stars’ sparkled like a sword blade in the sunshine. A fresh snowfall would adorn verdant forestry, and cast a sepulchral hush upon the morning, punctuated only by the susurration of abundant skiers plying their trade around a piste course. 

Cabin life was luxuriant and one suspects an administrative error may have been made in its allocation to lowly officer cadets. The cabin was adorned with statues and trophy’s, paying homage to Norway’s’ long and noble skiing culture. An in situ sauna and reindeer skin rug typified the splendor, whilst ample CILOR provided palatable meals, made so by our culinary prowess, or lack thereof. A typical day was 0700 reveille, hearty breakfast, 2-hour session, lunch and mobility run, another 2-hour session, recovery (sauna) and then dinner. Ski wax was lovingly applied daily, the science behind which is something of a dark art. The winning formula can be a closely guarded secret. 

Race day was Friday. Dawn broke overcast and amplified the excited buzz around the stadium. Some 24 teams were to compete in a 5Km relay, meandering through forest and foothills. Our PSI opened the innings at the mass start, fighting for position in a horde of lycra. The peloton quickly became spread out over the course and an individual challenge ensued. Particular mention must go to OCdt Smith who finished the race with one ski, breaking a binding at a critical juncture. Team members showed indomitable endeavor and spirit, with DS having to peel off racing vests by the end, as competitors were too exhausted to do so. 

Exercise Nordic Bluebell was an unequivocal success. It strengthened the body, yet more importantly ennobled the mind with a spirit of grit and determination. Taxing training in veritable arctic conditions is unique to this sport in the Army, and leadership qualities shone through. This exercise has but whetted the appetites of the heretofore novice team, and we are truly enamored with the sport. Many thanks to CSgt Baxter for his diligent organization and thorough preparation without whom the exercise would not have been possible.

OCdt Leeson