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Intro to Winter Skills (2 days)

Learn LEVEL | 2 day(s) | Ratio 1:6 | From £220.00

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Overview

This is your first step to enjoying the mountains in winter. These 2 days will leave you feeling confident with the use of ice axe and crampons, winter navigation and coping with winter weather. You will gain avalanche awareness, as well as how to generally equip yourself for the hills at this magical time of year.

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DETAILED INFO

AIMS

The 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.

PRE-REQUISITES

Summer mountain walking experience desirable.

IS IT FOR ME?

To get the most out of the course we recommend that you have summer hill walking experience and have 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 at times can be harsh and physically demanding conditions.

CONTENT

The main topics to be covered are:

  • 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

Evening sessions may include a winter navigation talk and avalanche awareness talk.

The programme is fairly flexible taking into account individual needs and aims, weather, etc.

Step 1

Book your course place online

Step 2

Call to book accommodation. Prices from £60pn

DATES & PRICES

2024
COURSE DATE COST
(with accommodation)
COST
(no accommodation)
PLACES BOOKING
Date07/12/24Cost (with accommodation)Call Us – Prices from £60pnCost (no accommodation)£220.00Places
Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected]

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USEFUL INFORMATION

Start Time:
0900
End Time:
1700
Meeting at:
Glenmore Lodge

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 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 you would like to use 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 Axe
  • Helmet
  • 40lt rucksack
  • Walking poles

EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO BRING WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE IN THE STORES

What will you need to bring? Listed here are the essentials; this is not an exhaustive list.

  • Personal clothing
  • Winter outdoor wear
  • Insulating layers
  • Winter climbing / mountaineering trousers
  • Hat & gloves, several pairs of.
  • Goggles
  • Watch (you’ll be using this for timing navigational legs)
  • Whistle
  • 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)
  • Box or bag for packed lunch.
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Personal toiletries & medications (towels are provided)
  • Suncream & sun hat

Map information – we encourage everyone on mountain courses to have a map covering the Northern Cairngorms with a 10km radius from the ski area. There are now a range of scales and maps available OS 1:50,000, OS 1:25,000 and Harvey Map 1:40,000. If you have digital mapping and can print off map sheets a suggested area would be:

NW corner NH8514         NE corner NJ0314

SW corner NN8593          SE corner NO0393

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.