ski warfare

[olps]

OK, this is a strange question, and I may have to rely on some Finnish members here: I was watching a program on the Winter War between the Soviets and Finland, and was fascinated by the use of ski troops. My question is (I'm a nordic, or cross-country, skier myself) how would they wax their skis? What kind of skis would they use? Also, is this still largely taught in the military (of Finland or any other country)? I have so many questions about this, but haven't been able to find much about it. Thanks!

p.s. I think it was a PBS special called Fire and Ice, it was very interesting!

 

[philamac]

I remember a documentary on British TV a couple of years ago about the British Forces. It focused on a specialist unit of the Royal Marines known as the Mountain & Arctic Warfare Cadre.

They trained in fighting in arctic territory (Norway I thnk), including climbing, skiing, fieldcraft and survival. One part included skiing with all their gear into a hole in the ice of a frozen lake, they then had to get out and soaking wet get dried and into dry clothes. Needless to say these were tough, smart soldiers.

Not sure if this unit still exists given the current situation and demands on the Royal Marines.

 

[Anton von Tripp]

Certainly these skills are still taught.
Uk, Germany, Austria, France & Italy have famous specialist Mountain troops. - as does the US - the 10th Mountain Division (recently reformed).
As for Arctic warfare I am sure the Scandinavian armies specialise and most of them have websites with an English option.

Cordially, AvT.