A BLACKBURN soldier skied her way to success when she took part in the British Army championships in Switzerland.

Twenty-year-old Lisa Richardson was competing in the Spartan Hike exercise - taking on some of the most promising skiers in the army's regiments.

The Royal Logistic Corps Lance Corporal is serving with the South Cerney-based 29 Regiment and took part in the Army's Land Command Northern Ireland and Territorial Army Ski Championship 2004.

She came runner-up in the 15km classic style race and joined the winning team in victory for the military patrol race at Serre Chevalier.

But the challenges did not slip along without a few pitfalls.

The former Queen's Park High School pupil competed in last year's event and came second in her one and only junior race.

"I hurt myself, " said the fledgling skier who is now serving as a military chef.

"I skied into one of my team mates coming down a hill and pulled my hamstring and tore my groin. I had to have physiotherapy for two months!"

And she didn't fair too well in a subsequent four week trip to Sweden.

"I went for four weeks but only managed two days because I fractured my shoulder bone. In fact I've only just started skiing again.

"But skiing is really good in terms of team work and getting to know people from other regiments. It is also a chance to relax."

The alpine competition attracts more than 500 soldiers and cadets competing in teams or individually in either down hill or cross-country events.

Competitors dress in the traditional camouflage white suits for many events including the Military Patrol - navigating a 20-km course with 40kg weights between a team of four and facing obstacle courses, memory tests and mental agility exercises as well as shooting practice.

In the Super G challenge top skiers, many of whom are hoping to represent Great Britain in future Olympic medal bids, reach speeds of 80 kilometres per hour through a slalom course.