En-suite bedrooms from £60pn. Book your course and then call us to book your accommodation
Find Out MoreMTA Winter Conference – Avalanche Awareness
Learn LEVEL | 1 day(s) | Ratio 1:6
Overview
This workshop will look at information gathering and interpreting both the weather and SAIS reports. How that links to planning our route choice and identifying potential hazards including heuristic traps, and then what options and strategies we have for mitigating them. On the hill, we will continue to observe and evaluate conditions and amend our plans as we go. This workshop will also link in the the early evening lecture on the Saturday.
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
This course will develop your knowledge base and skill set using the Be Avalanche Aware guidelines. We will explain how weather influences snow pack changes and avalanche hazard, how this knowledge increases observation skills, and in turn decision making. In addition, we will use journeys on the hill to develop human factor awareness, mitigation strategies, and terrain choice tactics.
PRE-REQUISITES
Winter walking essential. You should already be comfortable with use of crampons and ice axe
IS IT FOR ME?
This course is ideal for those who are new to winter hill walking and want to gain more than a basic introduction to avalanche awareness. The course will be classroom & hill based with the intention to provide enough information and practical experience to give you confidence on your independent hill walks.
This course will also help you become an independent learner with information on how to stay current with advances in avalanche avoidance and education, The programme will take into account individual needs and aims, weather, etc.
CONTENT
The main topics to be covered are:
The Be Avalanche Aware guidelines and the Scottish avalanche context
Mountain weather and its influence on the snowpack
Avalanche hazard, snow stability and spatial variation
Avalanche terrain and choices for hillwalking
Scottish Avalanche Information Service; understanding and using the detail
Planning hill walks that avoid avalanche hazard
Observation skills on hillwalks
Decision making, human factors, mitigation strategiesINs
Step 1
Book your course place online
Step 2
Call to book accommodation. Prices from £60pn
USEFUL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Instruction
Use of kit
Packed lunch and afternoon tea each day
In-course transport
WHAT'S INCLUDED IF YOU CHOOSE THE RESIDENTIAL OPTION - AS ABOVE PLUS
Accommodation in an en-suite bedroom
Breakfast on each course day
Dinner on each course day (except on the final day, and on one day or back to back courses)
Use of the facilities at Glenmore Lodge
Linen is provided along with a towel, you may wish to bring an extra towel if using the facilities
NEED TO KNOW
WHAT WILL I NEED
YOU WILL NEED (Glenmore Lodge can provide if required)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulated synthetic jacket with hood
- Winter boots
- Gaiters
- Crampons
- Ice axes
- Helmet
- Climbing harness
- 40lt rucksack
- walking poles (if it is your preference to use them)
EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO BRING WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE IN STORES
Listed here are the essentials, this is not an exhaustive list
- Personal clothing
- Winter outdoor wear
- Insulating layers
- Winter climbing/mountaineering trousers
- Warm hat & gloves (several pairs)
- Whistle
- Compass
- Waterproof map case
- Headtorch
- Rucksack liner/dry bags
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal toiletries & medications
- Suncream & hat
Glenmore Lodge will provide any technical equipment required on a skills course e.g. climbing ropes and racks.
