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Discover Winter Skills

Discover LEVEL | 1 day(s) | Ratio 1:6

Overview

Have you heard inspiring accounts of winter days in the hills from friends, or seen stunning photos of mountains blanketed with sparkling white snow, and wanted to experience it for yourself? This one-day taster course gives you the opportunity to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to winter, and to find out for yourself whether it’s something you want to experience more of. Working with the conditions and the group’s ability level and aspirations, we’ll spend the day giving you a taste of some of the key skills that can open up the doors to future winter adventures.

DETAILED INFO

AIMS

Taking place over one-day, Discover Winter Skills isn’t an intensive crash course in all things winter. Instead what we hope to achieve with the day is that you’ll leave feeling inspired and a bit more confident to build up to future winter hillwalking adventures. We’ll aim to give you opportunities to learn more about being appropriately kitted out for winter, know a bit more about the unique hazards and risks at this time of year, the challenges of winter navigation, as well as the chance to try out some of the key winter skills that can enable you to enjoy winter hillwalking safely (using crampons and an ice axe).

PRE-REQUISITES

No prior experience necessary. Some summer hillwalking desirable.

IS IT FOR ME?

If you enjoy hillwalking and are curious about the potential adventures that winter might hold for you, then this one-day session is ideal.

Have any questions or concerns about whether this is the right option for you? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team, who will be able to answer any questions and make sure that we find you the best course to suit your needs. Our office can be contacted at 1479 861 256, or feel free to send us a message on social media.

CONTENT

Depending on the experience/ability levels of the group, your aims for the day, and the current conditions, we’ll adapt the course to give you as much of an opportunity as possible to discover what winter has to offer and the skills you’ll need to enjoy it safely. This may include:

Selecting and organising personal kit appropriate to winter hillwalking

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 and descent

Emergency procedures

Avalanche awareness and safe route choice

Core techniques of winter navigation

Throughout the winter season, we also hold regular evening lectures on important and relevant topics such as winter mountain hazards and avalanche awareness. If there are any taking place on your chosen course date, you’re more than welcome to join.

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Instruction

Use of kit

Packed lunch and afternoon tea & cake

In-course transport

WHAT'S INCLUDED IF YOU CHOOSE THE RESIDENTIAL OPTION - AS ABOVE PLUS

Accommodation in an en-suite bedroom

Breakfast on your course day

Dinner is also available

Use of facilities at Glenmore Lodge

Linen is provided along with a towel, you may wish to bring an extra towel if you would like to use the facilities.

Want to explore the area in your own time before or after your course? Let us know when booking your accommodation, and extend your stay to make the most of our convenient location in the heart of the Cairngorms!

NEED TO KNOW

WHAT WILL I NEED

Many folks are put off winter hillwalking because they’re worried about needing a lot of new or different gear. When you attend a Glenmore lodge course, you’re welcome to borrow gear from our extensive and well-stocked Stores. This way, you won’t have to purchase anything before hand, and our experienced staff will be able to provide advice about finding the right equipment that is suitable for your own aspirations after the course is over.

Please be aware that this is a general kit list, and it is possible that not all items will be required for your course depending on the conditions and what the Instructor decides you’ll be covering.

YOU WILL NEED (Glenmore Lodge can provide if required)