This is a beginner course designed to introduce hill walkers to the delights of winter walking.

We hope to develop skills to allow access into the high mountains when covered in snow and ice, giving you the technical knowledge to understand how to remain safe in this dynamic environment.

On this course we cover:

1. Movement on snow - using the boot as a tool and kicking steps
2. Ice axe technique - for security and balance and for cutting steps
3. Crampons - fitting crampons, walking in crampons and front pointing
4. Self arrest - for halting a slip and gaining control
5. Avalanche awareness - to stay safe and develop understanding of a hazardous and dynamic landscape
6. Winter navigation - all those summer features become covered; practice on a different scale map and winterise your navigation.​

The Helvellyn massif is usually the most reliable for winter weather but if the conditions are right, be prepared to explore any of the high Lakeland fells in snowy conditions.

You will need to wear suitable clothing for winter mountaineering, including a full set of waterproofs, warm layers, hat & gloves, ski goggles and winter walking boots.

These boots should be rigid and rated to B1/B2 standard (we can advise during the booking stage).

Boots can be hired from LDM, subject to sizes and availability of our stocks.

Technical equipment can be hired from LDM - ice axes & crampons

This course is non residential

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The price of this day is inclusive of:

1. A qualified Mountaineering Instructor/Winter Mountain Leader
2. Affiliated with AMI & Mountain Training Association 
3. Local & intimate knowledge of the venues
4. Technical equipment 
5. Professional coaching & instruction

1. Experience of hill walking in summer conditions. 
2.  You will need to be fit and healthy and able to walk in the snow carrying a rucksack.
3. ​Some navigational knowledge will be beneficial (map & compass)

Waterproof Jacket

Waterproof Trousers

Fleece Layer

Spare Warm top (Down jacket or similar)

Hat & Gloves

35-40L Rucksack

Ski Goggles

Spare Hats & Gloves

Camera

Walking Poles

Lunch & Snacks

1 litre water

Hot drink

Personal Medication

Equipment provided:

Helmet

Equipment for hire:

Silva Expedition Type 4 compass

B1/B2 boots (£10 per day)

Ice Axe (£5 per course)

Crampons (£5 per course)

We will send a full course itinerary on booking - please look out for our email.