“If adventure has a final and all-embracing motive, it is surely this: we go out because it is our nature to go out, to climb mountains, and to paddle rivers, to fly to the planets and plunge into the depths of the oceans... When man ceases to do these things, he is no longer man”
Rusty Baille
This course is designed to provide a base of knowledge and skills, so that you can confidently travel around in the winter mountain environment. The day is designed to be in the mountains travelling up to an altitude of between 650m – 1344m using real situations to demonstrate and learn the skills.
“In the mountains there are only two grades: You can either do it, or you can't”
Wilfrid Noyce
During the day we will cover the following topics:
- ‘Winterising’ your kit
- Use of the boot for secure footwork
- Appropriate use of an ice axe
- Using an ice axe in an emergency
- Efficient, safe movement with crampons
- Avalanche awareness
- Looking at the snow pack and identifying important snow layers
- Safe route choice through the mountains and on steeper slopes
- Identifying snow hazards
We aim to cover the skills mentioned above and any other areas that are highlighted. But aspects of the course are subject to change, due to the variable weather and snow conditions in the Scottish mountains. However great effort will be taken to cover all aspects of the course as the opportunity arises.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.