Alpine Ski 2025

The question at the start of ISSSC 25 was whether the RAF Men and British Army Women would repeat their respective dominance from ISSSC 24. All teams had some challenges to overcome; the RAF and Army Women’s teams had both lost their strongest skiers to other commitments, the Army Men were still re-building, however, their depth of talent should never be underestimated, the RN Women were in desperate need to break a losing streak that went back years, the RN Men needed their best skiers to fire consistently across all events and the RAF Men came in as strong favourites with a significant weight of expectation.

Following 2 days of DH training came the first acid test, the Downhill, not be underestimated, with a depleted field after suffering some walking wounded during the training we were off… No nerves on show from the racers, RAF Men and Army Women noses in front as per the form guide. This set the scene for the week with the RAF Men and Army Women going on to win the Super G and Slalom to place themselves in a commanding position for the final race, the GS.

The pressure was on, both our favourites only had to finish to win, with our new President (CAS) watching on from the slope a safe and steady pair of runs was needed from both teams… As is often the case when the pressure ramps up funny things happen, both teams were quickly in trouble losing racers on the first run and being down to their minimum team numbers for run 2. As both teams contemplated snatching defeat from the jaws of victory strong leadership was needed and racers were told to sacrifice their personal ambitions for the greater good, a distinct part of military racing’s ethos. By the skin of their teeth they got a result to secure the overall champs. But the big news of the day has to be the Royal Navy Women’s team winning the GS and breaking a losing streak that pre-dated all the current team members – BZ to them.

Men (team Fb Ind Champ)
Downhill: RAF // Fg Offr Jed McNab
Super G: RAF // Fg Offr Ollie Weeks
Super Combined (ind only): Fg Offr Ollie Weeks
Slalom: RAF // Fg Offr Ollie Weeks
Giant Slalom: Army // Fg Offr Ollie Weeks
Overall combination: RAF // Fg Offr Ollie WeeksWomen (Team fb ind Champ)
Downhill: Army //Capt Lauren Bailey
Super G: Army // Spr Lizzie Knox
Super Combined (Ind only): Spr Lizzie Knox
Slalom: Army // Spr Lizzie Knox
Giant Slalom: Royakl Navy // AS1 Georgina Davies
Overall Combination: AS1 Georgina Davies

RN Women’s Team winning GS – first team win for many a year.
RAF Men’s team dominance.
Army Women’s team dominance.
LCpl Ben Latham – Novice to Army team in 4 years
Fg Offr Ollie Weeks (Men’s Champ)
AS1 Georgina Davies (Women’s Champ)
Spr Lizzie Knox (won 4 of 5 W races)
Lt Brett Wild – final season – UKAF Alpine Team Captain – 2nd Overall

Dick and Nan bowing out after over 4 decades of loyal service to UKAF & Combined Services Alpine – fair winds and many thanks.

With the weather set fair ISSSC 25 would see a full Alpine Race Programme with full teams from all three Services.

Lt Col Rob Ronz (Chair UKAF WSA Alpine) – what a fantastic week showcasing the best of the three Services – physical courage, winning under pressure and team before self in abundance all week – great job.

Lt Brett Wild (Captain UKAF Alpine) – A huge honour to be selected Captain of the UKAF Alpine team to lead the team of 6 at the Brits – we have some great talent and high hopes for a great week.

Another fantastic champs made possible by the unseen hard work of those on the committee and the never ending enthusiasm and application of the racers. Much to look forward to at ISSSC 26, notably the inclusion of a new event, the Parallel GS – we’ll out on a big show!