FROM £395

WINTER SKILLS

WINTER SKILLS 5 DAY

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Our five-day winter skills course, based in Aviemore, Scotland is designed to equip you with the skills to become independent in the mountains in Scottish winter and further afield. It will give you the techniques, skill and confidence to explore safely with the knowledge that if conditions deteriorate then, you can look after yourself. We also try and take in some summits during the course and if conditions are favourable we will spend the night in a snow hole.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

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Any technical equipment, crampons, ice axe and helmet is included in price

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Avalanche awareness/avoidance and its implications for safe route choice

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

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Appropriate choice and use of equipment and clothing suitable for winter hillwalking

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How to be efficient with your snow craft; focusing on efficient footwork; use of the ice axe for self-belay, step cutting and self arrest

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Emergency procedures, digging shelters

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Core, fundamental navigation techniques for winter travel

What's included?

✓ Highly experienced & qualified guide

✓ On-course transport

✓ Crampons

✓ Mountaineering axe

✓ Shovels

✓ Group shelter

✓ First Aid kit

✓ Photos from your course

✓ Overview of the course content

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 to snow hole if the conditions are favourable

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 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!