IT'S been a real winter wonderland for the Air Force in the Victorian snowfields. Shown here are Flight Lieutenant Matthew Frost and Corporal Steve Medaris, who are getting some air time during practice for the boarder-x. Photo by Cristy Symington

AIR Force skiers and snowboarders proved they really do know how to fly after taking off with a cargo load of titles at the recent National and International Interservices Alpine Sports Championships at Mt Buller.

Flight Lieutenant Matthew Frost was named snowboarding champion while skier Flight Lieutenant Justin Mangan took home the men's trophy for the second consecutive year.

It was Frost's third time competing for the Air Force, stealing the title from two-time champion and team captain Corporal Steve Medaris.

Frost won the super-G, and placed second in both the boarder-X and giant slalom.

"Frosty has been snowboarding for about seven years and he has always been a good racer because he rides a first-class racing stance," Medaris said.

"We've always been on par with each other and he's got a good head for racing. The downhill events are definitely his strength."

No skier could come close to Mangan, who has held the title since last year. He was consistently two to three seconds ahead of his rivals, and more than five seconds ahead in the slalom runs.

Warrant Officer Bob Hawke kept the other teams at bay with his solid performances including two fifth placings.

While Mangan set the standard in the men's skiing, the snowboarders put on an amazing show in their events.

The team unfailingly scored leading placings with Medaris triumphant in the giant slalom and coming third in the super-G.

Corporal Andrew McCallum was also a solid rider with a fourth in giant slalom, fifth in super-G and a quarter-final berth in the boarder-X. McCallum placed third in the overall championships.

Leading Aircraftman Tim Seager will be one to watch in the future after qualifying for the final of the boarder-X, placing second in super-G and a top 10 spot in the giant slalom.

For the women, Flying Officer Karen Titmuss was Air Force's top female skier, putting on some tough competition for the Army women.

She edged out Army's Claire Baker in the slalom for second spot, but struggled to outscore Baker and Bunny Carrigan in the other events, settling for third position. Consistent performances from Flight Lieutenant Anne O'Leary and Penny Pennell kept Air Force a step ahead of the other services.

By Cristy Symington