The IDF’s Alpine Unit has successfully completed its annual training under extreme winter conditions. As the army announced on Friday, the exercises were specifically designed to prepare for snow, cold, and challenging high-altitude terrain on Mount Hermon — and thereby also to secure the ski resort there for visitors.

The reservist unit specializes in operations at low temperatures and in snow. This year, for the first time, the training took place on the summit of Mount Hermon, which had been under Syrian control until the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The soldiers practiced operating in complex alpine terrain and used equipment specially developed for extreme weather conditions, the IDF Spokesperson’s Office explained.

In parallel, over the past few days the unit was deployed together with the IDF’s 810th Mountain Brigade in a defensive mission on Mount Hermon. This operation was coordinated with the ongoing security measures in the Golan Heights area and aimed at creating the conditions for safely opening the Hermon area to the public.

Mount Hermon is the only location in Israel with reliable snowfall in winter. The ski resort on the southeastern slopes of the mountain had been closed for 16 months due to the war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Although the facility was reopened last year, regular ski operations were not possible because of damage to the lift systems caused by Hezbollah rocket fire.

At present, access is only possible by prior registration and with restrictions. Visitors have limited use of the cable car, sledding opportunities, and a dedicated area for children. Israel controls approximately seven percent of Mount Hermon; the ski resort itself occupies about one percent of the total area.

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