J Coy Takes on Norway A Comedy of Ski Errors (and a Bit of Soldiering)

After getting battered in the Scottish Highlands, J Coy finally enjoyed a well-earned Christmas break. Returning to Bickers, refreshed and ready to take on the next challenge, we discovered this was to be sooner than we’d thought with our Norway deployment being bumped left by four weeks! Fast forward to our arrival in Bardufoss. Stepping off the plane we were greeted by a blast of freezing air which felt like an Arctic ‘slap in the face’.

J Coy ranks conquering the mountains of Norway

Cold Weather Warfare or Wet Weather Warfare?

We expected crisp snow and icy conditions. However, we got +7°C and driving rain prompting a flash back to Storm Burt before Christmas. As if skiing isn’t challenging enough, learning in slush is a test of one’s character. Just when we thought we dodged the worst of it, the cold returned right on cue for the infamous ice breaker drills. Nothing beats team bonding like plunging into a frozen lake.

Ski Week: The Revenge of the Pusser’s Planks

After 24 hours at Camp Viking (mostly spent drying out and wondering what life choices led us here), it was time for ski week. The Pusser’s planks lived up to their legendary reputation turning even decent skiers into a flailing mess. At least the sky put on a show, serving up breathtaking sunrises and displaying the unbelievable Northern Lights. Of course, the MLs ensured that we had plenty of night skiing sessions to admire them. Nevertheless, the mandatory snow hole digging kept us from getting too comfortable.