Exercise Pipedown concluded this week with Gutersloh-based 1 Logistics Support Regiment (1LSR) winning the overall Divisional Combined Ski Champion Unit Competition, as well as the team competitions in both the men's Alpine and Nordic disciplines.

The men's 1LSR team also won the Military Patrol race - an event designed to test soldiers in all the essential military skills expected of them on operations including marksmanship, map reading and physical endurance.

Lance Corporal Pete Alan Dunning, 24, of Armoured Support Group, the Royal Marines, won the Best Overall Disabled Competitor. During his last tour in Afghanistan in May 2008, while providing top cover for a Viking vehicle, he lost both his legs when the vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device.

Despite never having skied before he was injured, Pete still managed to beat many of the able bodied skiers in the Alpine event during Pipedown and is now aiming to compete in the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Russia.

In the women's events, The MOD Hospital Unit based in Catterick, topped the standings in the Nordic team combination while 1 Med Regt won the Military Patrol Race. Corporal Franey of 3 (CS) Bn REME won the women's individual alpine combination competition as well as the Super Giant Slalom and the downhill race.

Major General Adrian Bradshaw, General Officer Commanding 1(UK) Armoured Division, who visited the championships said organising adventurous training opportunities such as Exercise Pipedown is part of the Army fulfilling its military covenant with soldiers.

He explained: "In these days of intense operational commitments – exercises like this give our people a change – which is important for the process of coming down after an operational tour.

"It is incredibly valuable and important - a chance for our people to put their hearts and souls into a different activity - a world away from Afghanistan, maintaining their health and well-being.

"The Army promises a life of adventure and opportunity. This is one of those opportunities."

The annual ten-day competition, now in its 16th year, was the largest yet with 342 soldiers competing.