FROM £430

WINTER CLIMBING

BEN NEVIS MIXED-ICE

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The North Face of Ben Nevis offers some of the most inspiring terrain in any one place in Scotland. We will tackle some classic lines across the North face throughout the course if the conditions allow. This is more of a part teach, part guide course. Some previous rock climbing and winter walking/mountaineering experience is essential for this course.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

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Any technical equipment, crampons, ice axes, harness & helmet is included in the price

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Effectively planning your days in the mountains, using weather and avalanche forecasts

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Recap of core winter skills, such as efficient use of crampons and ice axe on approach to climbs

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Appropriate gear selection and use, inc the use of ice screws

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Retreating from multi-pitch climbs demonstrating the use of a variety of anchors

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Coaching on technique and movement for Ice/Mixed terrain

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Use of technical axes and crampons, inc care and maintenance

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Avalanche awareness/avoidance and its implications for safe route choice

What's included?

✓ Highly experienced & qualified guide

✓ On-course transport

✓ Crampons

✓ Technical Ice axes

✓ Harness

✓ Helmet

✓ Ropes

✓ Any climbing hardware i.e. slings, carabiners, wires etc

✓ Shovels

✓ Group shelter

✓ First Aid kit

✓ Photos from your course

What's not included?

✗ Course Insurance

✗ Winter Boots (we can arrange rental)

What do I need to bring?

Quality waterproofs i.e. Gore-tex or similar
B2-B3 style boots
Hat, waterproof gloves plus spares x 2 minimum
Winter walking socks
We advise wearing 2-3 thinner layers rather than one thick layer so you can adjust your temperature during the activity
'Belay' type jacket
Wicking base layers, top & bottoms
Goggles, double clear lens recommended
Head torch, plus spare batteries
Balaclava and neck gaiter
Lunch & warm drink
Rucksack 30-40ltr
4 season sleeping bag if we plan to stay in the CIC hut

What else can we provide?

Reservation for boot hire
Pick up & drop-offs
Accommodation

DATES & PRICES

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Can't find a date that suits? We regularly organise bespoke dates for people.

Email or call +44(0)1540 368138 us and we will do our best to get you on your adventure!

GALLERY

We understand that getting a quality nights sleep and being able to dry your equipment can make all the difference to the comfort and enjoyment of your course, so we have used some of the local youth hostels due to the fact they provide what we need well. The rooms are priced on a sharing basis, but we can also arrange private rooms and/or different accommodation if you wish.

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Due to the variety of winter conditions encountered in Scotland this course is run with a conditions based approach, meaning that your instructor/guide will use the best of conditions to maximise safety, your learning and overall experience throughout your course. Below is a sample itinerary.

Day 1

We meet and chat through the week ahead, and what people want to get from the five days. We then look at the weather and avalanche forecast and talk through the options.

Day 2&3

This is what you have come for - ascents of major peaks in the west coast of Scotland. As always the objectives and the training areas will be weather and conditions dependent. The training focus will be on improving your core skills in the winter mountaineering environment. There will be a growing emphasis on your own ability to make decisions, whether it be about packing your bag, regulating your temperature or where to stop for a snack. Overall, you should expect to feel more confident and competent about mountaineering under your own steam and leave the course with more valuable experience under your belt. A few option over the 3 days could be:

> Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis (IV, 3)

> Green Gully, Ben Nevis(IV, 4)

> Comb Gully, Ben Nevis (III, 4)

> Number Three Gully Buttress, Ben Nevis (III)