MILITARY SKIING, TC 90-11-1

Combat operations in cold regions characteristically produce vulnerable flanks, rear areas, and lines of communication. Attacks against these kinds of objectives require fast, silent, oversnow mobility. Units on skis are best suited for deep penetrations followed by surprise attacks
against these targets.

Military skiing is a means of oversnow mobility which allows the soldier to traverse most types of terrain using standard equipment while carrying or hauling his basic fighting and subsistence load. In this manner, he can arrive at his destination prepared to accomplish any assigned mission.

Most military skiing. is done on flat or rolling terrain requiring the use of crosscountry (Nordic) skills. Tactical considerations sometimes dictate skiing down steep slopes requiring skill at downhill (Alpine) skiing techniques. Gaining and maintaining a downhill skiing capability within
military units present a major training challenge.