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MTA Winter Conference – Avalanche Awareness

Learn LEVEL | 1 day(s) | Ratio 1:6 | From £110.00

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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.

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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 strategies

DATES & PRICES

2025
COURSE DATE COST
(no accommodation)
PLACES BOOKING
Date25/01/25Cost (no accommodation)£110.00Places
Date26/01/25Cost (no accommodation)£110.00Places
Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected]

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Instruction

Use of kit

Packed lunch and afternoon tea each day

In-course transport

 

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.

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Can't find exactly what you are looking for? We are happy to create it for you. You can hire one of our instructors or guides from as little as £280 a day, including any equipment. If you’re a group, all of our courses are available on a date that suits you or if you would prefer we can tailor a course to your requirements. Simply get in touch to discuss your requirements.