Mountain Training
This year, the NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence (MW COE) combined advanced technical mountain training with a detailed military-historical exploration of the logistical supply routes used during the First World War along the Soca Front over the Vršič Pass. This pass, rich in history and natural beauty, today serves as the gateway for numerous mountain tours in the Julian Alps. It’s also a significant point along the famous Alpe Adria Trail, which attracts hikers and history enthusiasts alike.
The logistic road over the Vršič Pass, originally constructed between 1915 and 1916 as a military supply road, holds the distinction of being the highest mountain pass in Slovenia open to general motorized traffic. It stands as a testament to the strategic importance of this region during the Great War, when it served as a crucial supply route for the Austro-Hungarian forces. Today, it not only provides access to breathtaking alpine scenery but also serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s turbulent past.
During the MW COE exercise, participants embarked on a challenging ascent of the 2,270-meter high Prisojnik via the famous “Windows Track”. This route is a classic alpine ascent that threads its way through the formidable north face of Prisojnik. It demands a high level of skill and endurance, as climbers navigate three via ferratas rated B/C and tackle long, uninsured passages. The ascent is not only a physical challenge but also a journey through history, offering climbers a glimpse into the strategic significance of the area during the First World War. From the summit, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Julian Alps, where the peaks of KRN and MATAJUR—sites of fierce battles during the Soca Campaign—can be seen.
The combination of rigorous technical mountain training and a historical examination of the battlefield landscapes created a unique and enriching experience for the participants. This holistic approach ensures that the lessons of history are integrated into the physical demands of mountain warfare training. The ascent of Prisojnik, with its historical context and technical challenges, has proven to be so effective that it is now being considered as a potential variantion for the technical mountain training during the Slovenian Mountain Warfare Leaders Course (SULC).
The success of this exercise highlights the excellent synchronization between technical mountain and tactical mountain training. By combining the physical demands of alpine mountaineering with the historical significance of the region, the MW COE continues to offer training that is not only physically demanding but also intellectually enriching, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the unique challenges of mountain warfare.
