Introduction to Winter Mountaineering £110.00
- Equipment, use and selection
- Movement in Winter Conditions
- Winter Navigation
- Use of Ice Axe
- Use of Crampons
- Snow Pack Awareness
- Emergency Procedures (including emergency shelters)
Location
This course will be held in The Cairngorms
Sample Programme
Day 1
Day 1 will focus on the Movement Skills necessary for travel in the Winter Environment. The day will start with an Equipment Check and Weather Forecast / Interpretation. We will then head out to the hills to look at the Essential Movement Skills, including the Use of an Ice Axe, Cutting / Kicking Steps and Walking in Crampons.
This day will finish with a session on Winter-Specific mountaineering equipment, what to look for, what to buy and what to avoid!
Day 2
Day 2 will begin with an Equipment Check and Weather Forecast / Interpretation. We will then head into the hills for a full hill day. The main purpose of this day will be to look at Winter navigation and safe travel techniques, including snowpack and avalanche awareness.
At the end of this course you will have a debrief with your instructor, which will include a personalized "Action Plan" to help you go away and achieve your own goals in the Winter Mountains.
Pre-requisites
- Some Hill walking experience
- You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for being outdoors for the majority of each day
Equipment Required
- Mountaineering boots (stiff enough for walking crampons)
- Gaiters (Optional)
- Thermals or suitable under clothing
- Insulating layers – at least one mid weight and one warm fleece layer
- Thick socks (several pairs)
- Spare fleece/insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket (with a good hood)
- Waterproof Over Trousers
- Hat & balaclava
- Minimum Three pairs of Warm Gloves
- Ski goggles (clear lens)
- Whistle
- Headtorch, spare batteries & bulb
- Compass – Silva type 4 recommended
- Personal first aid kit
- Thermos Flask
- Pen – permanent fine map marker
- Relevant Map – Check on Booking
- Survival Bag -Plastic type
- Rucksack (40 to 50 Litres)
- Rucksack liner
Technical Equipment Required
If you do not own any of the technical kit below there will be an opportunity to hire kit from Aviemore. This is not included in the Course Cost.
It is very important that your equipment is up to the job! If you are unsure, or would like any advice on buying equipment please contact us.
- Mountaineering boots (stiff enough for walking crampons)
- Crampons (with anti-balling plates) - Horizon Expeditions can provide this
- Ice Axe (50-65 cm long mountaineering axe) - Horizon Expeditions can provide this
- Helmet – Horizon Expeditions can provide this
