Scottish Winter Skills - 2 Day
Highland CouncilThis is a beginner winter course designed to introduce hill walkers to the delights of winter walking in Scotland.
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:
Movement on snow - using the boot as a tool and kicking steps
Ice axe technique - for security and balance and for cutting steps
Crampons - fitting crampons, walking in crampons and front pointing
Self arrest - for halting a slip and gaining control
Avalanche awareness - to stay safe and develop understanding of a hazardous and dynamic landscape
Winter navigation - all those summer features become covered; practice on a different scale map and winterise your navigation.
Day 2 of this course will head up onto the high mountain plateau of the cairngorms - we will use the skills learnt on day 1 to plan, prepare and undertake a mountain journey and summit an appropriate mountain.
Being based in Aviemore and using the ski centre as a base will allow for quick and easy access to this high mountain area of the UK.
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.
We will provide crampons, ice axe, helmets and other technical equipment.
This course is non residential
The price of this day is inclusive of:
- A qualified Mountaineering Instructor/Winter Mountain Leader
- Affiliated with AMI & Mountain Training Association
- Extensive knowledge of the venues
- Technical equipment
- Professional coaching & instruction
What to bring
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)
Requirements
- Experience of hill walking in summer conditions.
- You will need to be fit and healthy and able to walk in the snow carrying a rucksack.
- Some navigational knowledge will be beneficial (map & compass)
Itinerary
Cancellations
Cancellation Policy
CANCELLATION
In the unlikely event we have to cancel, we will offer a full refund if an alternate date can't be offered.
We can also issue vouchers to be used on other events or sessions with us.
If cancellation occurs within 30 days of the course or activity, we will retain 50% of the full price (your deposit).
If cancellation is within 14 days of the activity we will retain the full amount.
Winter course conditions: It may be necessary to change the outline of the courses to offer general mountaineering/mountain skills programmes with part refunds.
COVID-19
In the current COVID climate, here is our COVID stance and policy.
Any booking that cannot go ahead due to Covid restrictions or national lockdowns will be given a full refund.
In light of the successful vaccine roll out and easing of restrictions in England, we are not offering COVID refunds at this time.
We take our health very seriously here at LDM, our instructors will wear face masks in close contact scenarios and we will regularly use hand sanitiser. Our instructors are double vaccinated and COVID aware, following all up to date information.
Where we'll meet
Lake District MountaineeringDay 1 meet is in the Explorer cafe in Tiso for meet and greet and look at the Be Avalanche Aware model Day 2 will meet at the Cairngorm Ski Centre car park We will send a full itinerary detailing all meeting locations for the course