Overview
If you dream of a winter ascent of Striding Edge on Helvellyn or the CMD Arete on Ben Nevis, or one of the many other iconic mountain routes of the UK, but don’t yet have any winter experience at all, then this is the 2-day course for you. Have you ever wondered what winter skills are needed to venture onto steeper ground and whether you can learn them? On this course we’ll introduce essential movement skills for the winter mountain environment, then progress to demonstrating how a rope can be used to occasionally protect short sections of a journey or to descend steeper ground. By the end of the course, you’ll have a much better understanding of winter mountaineering, the skills needed for the adventures you’re dreaming of, and what you’re capable of achieving independently.
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
This is an introductory winter mountaineering course which will demonstrate the skills of the winter mountaineer. A short intensive course with two main objectives:
- Introduce personal movement techniques using winter mountaineering boots, crampons, and an ice axe
- We’ll then introduce how to use a rope for protection in ascent and descent, including anchoring methods with snow and rock
The speedy progression of the 2-day course means ropework elements will be developed at more friendly and accessible venues, allowing for a relaxed approach to learning with plenty opportunity for questions and practice. In addition, we’ll aim to address other essential winter skills such as navigation and avalanche avoidance
PRE-REQUISITES
Some summer hill walking.
CONTENT
Day 1 – We will spend the first day covering essential winter skills. Planning a journey using weather and avalanche forecasts, winter equipment and packing. Once on the mountain we will continue avalanche awareness, navigate using winter tactics and start developing winter hazard awareness. A large part of our focus this day will be personal movement on snow, how to use winter boots as a tool, how to carry and use an ice axe and using crampons.
Day 2 – Further planning using weather and avalanche forecasts and consolidation of all the skills from day 1. A large part of our focus this day will be introducing rope skills. The venue and terrain this day will be selected for maximum learning potential giving plenty of hands on practice. Snow anchors including bucket seats and or rock anchors will be introduced.
Evening sessions may include a winter navigation talk and avalanche awareness talk.
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DATES & PRICES
| 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
| Date20/12/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | Places | ||
| Date28/12/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | Places | ||
| Date30/12/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£330.00 | 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 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
Climbing harness
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 climbing / mountaineering trousers
Hat & 2 pairs of gloves
Whistle 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
Personal toiletries & medications (towels are provided)
Suncream & sun hat
Goggles (we recommend clear lenses)
