WINTER SKILLS 5 DAY

Due to the variety of weather 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 

When we meet and chat through the day and what people want to get from the course, chat through how to plan your winter days using the Be Avalanche Aware model discussing how to interpret the weather and avalanche forecast for a safe mountain journey. Once on the mountain it’s all about safe and efficient travel, the beginnings of core skills such as good footwork, simple uses of the ice axe, cutting steps, self-arrests and avalanche awareness.

Day 2 

Today we go on a bit of journey to practise our skills from yesterday, contextualising why and when we make decisions with the aim of developing our techniques, including cramponing on different types of terrain helping to build confidence and awareness. We will also look at emergency procedures and what to do if we get caught out in adverse conditions. 

Day 3  

Day three we will concentrate on navigation skills, focusing on contour interpretation, measuring distance and how to use the compass to orientate the map and take and walk effectively on a bearing. Also, we will cover relocation techniques including use of a GPS. This all building back into the planning stages of our days in the mountains.

Day 4  

On day four we start to get people to take some responsibility for decision making, route choice and navigation with the theme of people becoming independent in the mountains. Don't worry our experienced guide will be by your side to help you manage the decisions and oversee safety for the team.

Day 5  

Our last day of a challenging week, this gives us the opportunity to cover any areas that people would like a little more coaching on before they leave or if the conditions or weather hasn't allowed a certain technique to be covered. Then time for well-earned cake and coffee!

#WinterSkillsWeek