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2013 Winter skills courses & guided winter walking
Winter brings additional challenges to the mountain environment. Snow, ice and extremes of weather can dramatically increase the dangers of mountainous areas, but for those who wish to face these challenges when winter walking, the experience can be fantastic.
In 2013 we are running 2 types of winter skills and winter experience courses.
On Demand Scottish West Coast Winter
Basically we have instructors 'wintering' in scotland and will deliver any sort of winter skills / guided walks in the west coast ben nevis / glen coe area or the cairngorms.
Between January 2013 and March 2013 we will be available to run bespoke winter courses from 1-5 days long. We'll be based in Fort William giving easy access to the Nevis range as well as the Glen Coe area. Even though our instructors will be staying in Fort William if you specifically wish to walk in the Cairngorms it isn't far to nip across and so can be arranged. Just get in touch to let us know when you would like a course and if you have any areas you would like to specifically work on.
Alternatively, if you would just like to go for a walk in the snow and grab some peaks then book us and let us know where you want to go or what you want to achieve. We can do single days or multi-day expeditions.
We need a minimum of 2 people to run courses or guided walks but if you don't have a friend or regular mountaineering partner to join you get in touch anyway. We are usually able to match individuals up with others and find a mutually acceptable date.
Prices will be around £80 per person, per day, though discounts are available for those booking with larger groups or for multi-day courses. Overnight expeditions will cost a bit more.
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Winter Skills long weekends.
We run these courses over 3 days but if you can't stay for the monday then just knock £80 off the price
| Dates | Location | Instructor | Price per person |
| 12-14 January 2013 | Fort William | Pete | £240 |
| 26-28 January 2013 | Fort William | Ed | £240 |
| 9-11 February 2013 | Fort William | Pete | £240 |
| 23-25 February 2013 | Fort William | Pete | £240 |
| 9-11 March 2013 | Fort William | Ed | £240 |
| 23-25 March 2013 | Fort William | Pete | £240 |
The aim of this course is to introduce you to the basic skills to operate as a winter walker in the British Isles. You will learn how to use an ice axe, crampons and winter boots to their full. You do not need prior winter walking experience but a willing attitude and good level of fitness is essential.
The course starts each morning interpreting weather and avalanche forecasts before setting out. On the hill the course moves from teaching the basics of using an ice axe and crampons to learning to arrest a slip or slide safely. Avalanche awareness and snowpack analysis is an underpinning theme throughout together with navigation and route choice.
The exact syllabus will vary depending on weather conditions and what you are most keen to learn. Each day will begin with a briefing on the current weather and avalanche forecasts and will involve snow pack analysis throughout the day.
Areas we will cover
- Kit,
- Ice Axe / self arrest,
- Movement skills with and without crampons,
- Ice Axe use when walking,
- Navigation,
- Weather and avalanche forecasts,
- Route choice,
- Emergency shelter building,
- Avalanche and snow pack analysis.
Courses will run with qualified Winter Mountain Leaders with a maximum ratio of 1:6 so that you can gain the most from the experience.
Courses will be run with a minimum of 2 participants for the weekends that Pete runs and 3 particpants for weekends that Ed runs.
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Other Areas?
If you would like a course in another mountainous area of the UK then this can probably be arranged. Please get in contact to let us know your requirements.
Kit
Please take a look at the winter kit list, if you do not have all the required equipment then please let us know as soon as possible as you may be able to borrow from our stores.