On a pristine, sun-drenched morning in a grove of Aspen trees adjacent to the lower slopes of the Snowmass ski area, 25-plus Colorado and Hawaii National Guardsmen trained in more than three feet of snow, learning basic techniques and skills in order to survive an extended period of time in an extreme cold weather mountain environment.

“I’ve never done this before,” said Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Amanda Keltz of the CONG’s 8th Civil Support Team. “It’s very interesting and I’m learning a lot. I’m in the Air Guard and they don’t teach us this, but we could potentially respond to a situation in this type of environment.”

Keltz, a native of Ohio, said it was her first time in a mountainous, deep snow environment. For some of the Hawaii Guardsmen like Sgt. 1st Class Linford Ramos of the 93rd Civil Support Team, it was also their virgin outing in a winter alpine setting.

“It’s been great training,” Ramos said. “It’s brought a whole new perspective on cold weather and snow. I wish I could come here every year to do this.”

Soldiers of the COARNG’s 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group trained the group of Guardsmen in critical areas such as land navigation, snow shelter construction, first aid, gear and equipment, and building a fire in deep snow conditions.

“It’s great to train with Hawaii and other Colorado units to pass on our knowledge and help then out with their missions,” said Army National Guard Maj. Brett Martin of the 5/19th, who instructed the land navigation portion of the course. “Everyone has a great attitude and they’re all motivated to learn.”