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In Edelweiss Raid, the Competition Is Seriously Steep

How tough is the Edelweiss Raid?

When a U.S. team competed in the international military mountaineering contest for the first time in 2019,  it made history as the first team ever to finish the competition on its inaugural attempt, placing 13th out of 23 teams.

In two days, teams cover 40 kilometers (24.85 miles) of rugged Austrian Alps terrain with up to 14,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain, completing various military tasks at 12 stations in the process. They carry a litter with their equipment — both for challenges and in case of real casualty situations.

U.S. National Guard soldiers — most from Vermont, home of the Army Mountain Warfare School and the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain) — returned to Austria earlier this year to compete in the biennial event. This time, the 16-member U.S. team competed in two groups. Both finished; one cracked the top 10.

“We all pretty much call it Type 2 Fun,” Connecticut National Guard Capt. Scott Stone, one of the U.S. competitors, said. “Which is basically … not ‘Ha ha, we’re all having a good time fun,’ but it’s one of things that once you’re done with it, it’s a really awesome experience.”

(Includes information from articles by Timothy Koster, Connecticut National Guard Public Affairs Office; and Army Capt. Mikel Arcovitch, Joint Force Headquarters – Vermont National Guard Public Affairs)

5 Responses to “In Edelweiss Raid, the Competition Is Seriously Steep”

  1. ThatGuy says:

    Awesome work!

    Does anyone know if the Marine Corps Sends a team from Bridgeport to compete in this? Would be right up their alley.

    If they don’t send a team for this…they are certainly missing out on showcasing capabilities of the cadre at the Mountain Warfare Training Center.

    • Sasquatch says:

      I’m not sure, but judging by the article, it doesn’t seem like they have.

      And I agree, it definitely seems like they should be sending a team.

    • MDA says:

      They have never fielded a team – would be sweet if they did.

      For anyone within the National Guard and/or Active Army interested in trying out for the 2025 Raid, please follow @usamws and @mountainbattalion on Instagram for updates!

  2. ThatGuy says:

    For my fellow mountaineers or anyone interested….One of the US team members posted this video that gives a great overview of the race and the train-up. Link below.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wKSdwMjJxgc

  3. G1E says:

    Great to see us send teams to compete in Austria. Patrouille des Glaciers As well…