Ex RUCKSACK (Ex RS) is the Inter-Service and Army Nordic Skiing Championships. It will take place in Ruhpolding, Germany from 20th January – 06th February 2026. Ruhpolding is situated at 700m in the Chiemgau region of Bavaria where Biathlon World Cup races are held annually.
Aim of Ex RS
The aim of Ex RS is to provide competitors with an arduous and challenging racing programme, using world class facilities and physically demanding, technical courses in order to identify the Inter-Services and Army Champion Nordic Skiers and Nordic Skiing Units of the British Army whilst enhancing the moral and physical components of fighting power.
Programme
| Ser | Date | Day | Event |
| 1 | 20 Jan 26 | Day 1 | Teams arrive, Ruhpolding |
| 2 | 21 Jan 26 | Day 2 | Training, Lakes |
| 3 | 22 Jan 26 | Day 3 | 1st Team Capts’ Meeting / XC Training @ Lakes |
| 4 | 23 Jan 26 | Day 4 | XC Training |
| 5 | 24 Jan 26 | Day 5 | RACE – Classic XC |
| 6 | 25 Jan 26 | Day 6 | RACE – Free Technique XC |
| 7 | 26 Jan 26 | Day 7 | XC Training |
| 8 | 27 Jan 26 | Day 8 | RACE – XC Relay |
| 9 | 28 Jan 26 | Day 9 | Biathlon Training |
| 10 | 29 Jan 26 | Day 10 | RACE – Biathlon Individual |
| 11 | 30 Jan 26 | Day 11 | Biathlon Training |
| 12 | 31 Jan 26 | Day 12 | RACE – Biathlon Sprint |
| 13 | 1 Feb 26 | Day 13 | RACE – Biathlon Mass Start / RACE Eliminator |
| 14 | 2 Feb 26 | Day 14 | Patrol training |
| 15 | 3 Feb 26 | Day 15 | RACE – Patrol |
| 16 | 4 Feb 26 | Day 16 | Biathlon Training |
| 17 | 5 Feb 26 | Day 17 | RACE – Biathlon Relay / Final Prize Giving |
| 18 | 6 Feb 26 | Day 18 | Teams depart |
Movements and Clearances
The Ex Controller will apply centrally for DICPLEAR to conduct the exercise. However, iaw Ref A, all teams with the potential to qualify for Ex RS, must apply for Transit Clearance to Ruhpolding. Teams must consider their route from the QCs and are advised to apply for Italy, Switzerland and Austria to cover all eventualities.
Arrival
Competitors and teams are to report to the Race Office after 1600 hrs on 20 Jan 26. On arrival, all Teams are to:
- Check registration details and pay entry fees.
- Provide proof of insurance cover.
- Collect initial race entry forms; to be handed in at the Team Captains’ Meeting at 1000hrs on Day 1.
- Collect an Information Pack.
- Receive accommodation details.
- Sign a weapon security certificate.
- Hand in late trophies from previous year (engraved). TCs are to liaise with XO RUCKSACK NLT Fri 27 Jun 25 to coordinate arrangement for trophy return. Unit Adjts will be contacted if trophy return arrangements have not been confirmed by this date.
- Hand in any SA80s to the exercise armoury.
Accommodation
a. Army qualified competitors. Self-catering accommodation is allocated at no charge to Army qualified competitors.
b. Army non-qualified participants, all RN and RAF competitors. Self-catering accommodation will be allocated, on repayment (circa €25pppn) as a non-public cost. Army non-qualified competitors must be cleared to attend by the Ex Director before departure from Ex PDN or SH.
c. Visitors. Commanding Officers, Arms and Service Colonels and other Senior Officers, spectators who wish to visit Ex RS on their own budget are most welcome. All visitors are to book and pay for their own accommodation and travel. The following hotels are situated close to the town centre:
Team Captains’ Meetings
TCs are to attend the first TCs’ meeting at 1000 hrs on Day 3 in the Race Office (Media Centre Cheimgau Arena) and subsequently as published on the programme.
POCs
Ex Director / Controller – Maj James Sanford (POC for CILOR applications)
XO – Capt Jonathon Double (POC for trophy return)
