RMR XC Ski Team Completes 47km Final Exercise

Westmount, Quebec – 01 April 2026: On Sunday, 22 February 2026, members of The Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR) pushed themselves across 47 kilometres of the Petit Train du Nord ski trail, travelling from Val-David to Saint-Jérôme in a demanding and rewarding final exercise.

What began as a simple initiative to get soldiers out enjoying the winter quickly developed into a structured unit sports activity. Under the leadership of their Team Captain, Master-Corporal Clayton Symon, and with the support of PSP, the team was equipped with cross-country ski rentals and committed to weekly training sessions held on Monday nights at Mount Royal, Angrignon Park, and Île Notre-Dame. These sessions steadily built both individual endurance and collective cohesion in preparation for the final effort.

The team included Lieutenant-Colonel Jonasz (former CO RMR), Major Carmosino, Master-Corporal Symon, Corporal Frattaroli (who also served as driver and photographer), Corporal Park, Corporal Medina, Corporal Dai, and Corporal Desrochers, who participated in the training phase leading up to the exercise.

Over the course of five hours, from 0900 to 1400 hrs, the team demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and determination as they navigated the full distance. The exercise was not only physically demanding but also reinforced valuable winter warfare skills in a practical and engaging setting.

Beyond the kilometres covered, the activity achieved its broader purpose: fostering esprit de corps, strengthening bonds between soldiers, and reinforcing the importance of physical fitness in an operational context. It also served as a reminder that effective training does not always need to follow conventional formats to deliver meaningful results.

The RMR Cross Country Ski Team’s effort stands as a strong example of initiative, adaptability, and the enduring value of shared hardship—hallmarks of the Regiment’s culture and identity.