" ... thanks for an amazing course last weekend. It really was smart to be out in the winter mountains, with people who knew what they were doing and who I could ask any question and get sensible advice " JS Feb '05
Our Scottish winter skills weekend offers a great introduction to winter mountaineering over an action packed two days. Suitable for beginners keen to experience winter conditions for the first time and regular hill goers wanting to brush up on skills for classic winter walking and mountaineering.
We cover as many skills as possible over two 'real' mountain days out, including axe and crampon training, route planning advice, winter navigation, avalanche awareness and security on steep ground. You need good basic fitness for this course and can expect to climb both grade I snow gullies and munros in winter conditions during the weekend. (see: winter skills weekend photos, more scotland photos)
Sample Itinerary Subject to weather and conditions, we follow the general format below:
Day 1
Sat
PM meet in Fort William - discuss plans & kit check before heading on the hill. A typical day includes:
Ice axe and crampon skills
Ice axe self arrest drills
A short climb or summit
Further skills training during the day
Day 2
Sun
Ascent of winter munros, a classic snow gully or buttress climb. Skills training to include:
winter navigation
weather and conditions
avalanche avoidance
security on steep ground
PM course debrief + advice for the future.
Fitness As with most mountain activities, scottish winter mountaineering can be hard work (see fitness level 2)- so we advise you to prepare well in advance with regular cardiovascular exercise, as each day on the hill can involve 6-8 hours carrying a 10kg rucsac in mountain terrain.
Experience For the winter skills weekend, good basic fitness but no previous winter experience is neccesary. (see: scottish course suitability)
EquipmentWe will supply you with a full kit list. All communal safety equipment (ropes etc) is provided by us. You are responsible for bringing all personal clothing and equipment. For the more specialist items including crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, boots - local hire is available. Good mountain boots are also essential (local hire available).
