Winter Skills Course
The aim of these courses is to train you in the skills needed to operate independently as a winter walker in the British Isles. You will learn how to use an ice axe, crampons and winter boots to their full as well a covering weather, snowpack, avalanche avoidance and route planning on a daily basis. No previous winter walking or winter mountaineering experience is necessary to attend this course.
Every day we’ll review the weather and avalanche forecast and make a plan of where to go and what to do. On the hill the course moves from teaching the basics of using an ice axe and crampons to learning to prevent and arrest a slip or slide safely. Avalanche awareness and snowpack analysis is an underpinning theme throughout together with navigation and route choice.
The exact syllabus will vary depending on weather conditions and what you are most keen to learn.
Areas we will cover:
- Weather and avalanche forecasts,
- Kit and kit organisation,
- Ice Axe / self arrest,
- Movement skills with and without crampons,
- Ice Axe use when walking,
- Navigation,
- Route choice,
- Emergency shelter building,
- Avalanche and snow pack analysis.
Courses will run with qualified Winter Mountain Leaders with a maximum ratio of 1:6 so that you can gain the most from the experience.
Cost: £199 (+£41 per participant) per day
** Discounts are often available for 3 or more days, or if you are booking for 4 or more people **
