A one-day introduction for those wishing to extend their walking into the winter season in North Wales, the Lakes, or Scotland. Primarily it is about learning to use an axe and crampons. Starting with making sound judgements about route choice and terrain, movement skills and effective boot placement before moving onto using the axe to aid safe travel, crampon techniques on steeper ground, and finally using the axe for self-arrest should the rest of those skills fail.
This course is designed to introduce you to a range of core skills that will enable you to enjoy and move about the UK’s mountains in winter conditions, competently and confidently.
Summer mountain walking experience
To get the most out of this course we recommend that you have summer hill walking experience and a level of fitness that will allow you to undertake two consecutive days on the hill. Winter hill walking is arduous so a good level of fitness will allow you to cope with what are at times harsh and physically demanding conditions.
The programme is fairly flexible taking into account individual needs and aims, weather/snow conditions, etc. The main topics to be covered are:
The selection and organisation of personal kit appropriate to winter hill walking
Personal movement skills on snow, including kicking steps and using the ice axe for walking, self-belay, cutting steps, and self-arrest
Use of crampons in ascent/descent
Emergency procedures
Avalanche awareness and safe route choice
Core techniques of winter navigation
2025 | ||||
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COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
Date25/01/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£110.00 | Places | ||
Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected] |
Instruction
Use of kit
Packed lunch and afternoon tea each day
In-course transport
YOU WILL NEED (Glenmore Lodge can provide if required)
EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO BRING WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE IN STORES
Listed here are the essentials, this is not an exhaustive list
Glenmore Lodge will provide any technical equipment required on a skills course e.g. climbing ropes and racks.
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.