Winter Survival military competition begins in the Jeseníky Mountains

One of the Czech Army’s toughest endurance competitions, Winter Survival, has begun in the Jeseníky Mountains in north-eastern Czechia. The event was officially opened on Sunday at Ovčárna with the lighting of a symbolic torch.

Sixteen three-member teams from across Czechia are taking part in the four-day contest, which simulates military patrol operations in winter mountain conditions. Competitors face demanding physical and tactical tasks and spend nights bivouacking outdoors. Planned foreign teams from France, Poland and Slovakia withdrew shortly before the start.

Now in its 28th year, Winter Survival is organised by the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces and hosted by the University of Defence in Brno. The competition runs until Thursday, with weather conditions varying from year to year.