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Winter Skills (5 Days)

Learn LEVEL | 5 day(s) | Ratio 1:6

Overview

Would you like to develop an in-depth and practical knowledge of the skills required to journey in the hills in winter conditions, competently and confidently?

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DETAILED INFO

AIMS

Learn and develop the core winter skills required for hill walking in the UK Mountains under winter conditions whilst undertaking ascents of the mountains in and around the Cairngorms.

PRE-REQUISITES

Mountain walking experience desirable. Be prepared for some 6-8 hour days on the hill.

IS IT FOR ME?

To get the most out of these five days we recommend that you have summer hill walking experience and have a level of fitness that will allow you to undertake five 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

You will usually be in a group of no more than six with one instructor. Meeting your instructor on the first morning provides an opportunity to discuss everyone’s experience and aspirations enabling the instructor to plan the programme based around these, and the current weather and snow conditions. 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
  • Poor visibility navigation
  • Route planning in winter taking into account weather, conditions and avalanche risk

Evening lecture topics may include winter hazards, winter navigation and avalanche awareness.

The programme is fairly flexible taking into account individual needs and aims, weather, and snow conditions. Scottish winter conditions can be very variable. We sometimes experience sudden snow loss due to periods of warm temperatures and high winds. We will do our very best to deliver all elements of your course as outlined. However in the event of limited snow cover, we will offer a range of options relevant to your course contents, aspirations, and the weather conditions.

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

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
  • Map

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
  • Insulating layers
  • Winter hillwalking trousers/fleece leggings
  • Hat & 2 pairs of gloves
  • Watch (you’ll be timing navigational legs)
  • Compass – Silva type 4 recommended with a 1:40,000 romer
  • Waterproof map case
  • Headtorch
  • Rucksack liner (or sturdy bin liner) / dry bags
  • Water bottle/flask for hot drink
  • Box or bag for packed lunch.
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Goggles (we recommend clear lenses)
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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.