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.
DATES & PRICES
| 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
| Date14/12/24 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date15/12/24 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date21/12/24 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date22/12/24 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date28/12/24 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date29/12/24 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date30/12/24 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date31/12/24 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected] | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
| Date11/01/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date12/01/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date08/02/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date09/02/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date15/02/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date16/02/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date08/03/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| Date09/03/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£105.00 | Places | ||
| 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 & cake
In-course transport
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)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Insulated synthetic jacket with hood
- Winter Boots
- Gaiters
- Crampons
- Ice Axe
- Helmet
- 40lt rucksack
- Walking poles
EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO BRING WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE IN THE STORES
Listed here are the essentials; this is not an exhaustive list.
- Winter outdoor wear
- Insulating layers
- Winter climbing / mountaineering trousers
- Hat & gloves, several pairs of
- Watch
- Compass – Silva type 4 recommended with a 1:40,000 romer
- Waterproof map case
- Headtorch
- Rucksack liner (or sturdy bin liner) / dry bags
- Hydration system (water bottle / flask)
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal toiletries & medications (towels are provided)
- Suncream & sun hat
