1 Day Winter Skills Course

Overview

On this course you will learn the main skills for walking and staying safe in the UK Mountains in Winter.

This one day winter skills course will be a small group, so it can be adapted on the day to fit the needs and wants of those attending.

It is suitable for anyone wearing crampons and using an ice axe for the first time.

It is also a great course for people that may have already walked in winter with friends, but are looking for reassurance from a qualified instructor or want a skills refresher.

Main Topics that will be covered on the 1 Day Course

1. Movement on ice and snow: Crampon and Ice axe techniques, including Ice axe arrest
2. Avalanche: Reading Avalance Hazard Reports and planning accordingly
3. Navigation: Key differences in winter
4. Dealing with Emergencies: Emergency equipment and procedures
5. Adapting to conditions: Dynamic risk assessment in the winter environment
6. Efficient journeying: Route choice - before and during your activity
7. General Winter Kit: Advice on Clothing, Packing, Food and Drinks

Further Courses

If you already know want to take your winter walking further, look for our 2 and 3 day winter skills courses. The 2 and 3 day courses are designed to give you more practice, cover more topics and give you the confidence to go out independently in Winter.

Your Guide

Lee from Not About The Summit will be your guide and instructor. Lee holds the Winter Mountain Leader Award, for guiding walks and instructing winter skills courses in the UK Mountians. Find out more about Lee by visiting www.notaboutthesummit.com

Itinarary

08:00 - Meet in a cafe (venue TBC, see below) to cover some topics, review forecasts and do kit checks.

Venue - The meeting place will be in Aviemore, the exact location will be confirmed in advance of the event - we normally meet at either: Aviemore Youth Hostel, Tiso (Explorer Cafe), Cobbs Cafe

10:00 - We will be heading out onto the hill, no later that 10:00.

17:00 - Debrief in a cafe/pub (venue TBC), opportunity to answer questions and identify next steps for learning.

18:00 - We will finish no later than 18:00.

Pre-requisites

You should already be hiking in hills/mountains in summer conditions, so you have the fitness to walk in the hills. There is no requirement to have used an Ice Axe or Crampons before, we will show you how.

Equipment

You will need to have a helmet, an ice axe, crampons and boots that are suitable for the crampons.

We recommend hiring from Tiso Aviemore, as they offer hemet hire. Check the FAQs for alternative kit hire locations.

Please check our full Winter Kit List and advice at the following link: Click here for the NATS Winter Kit List

Compelete our participant form

Before attending this event, please complete our short participation form at this link: Click here to complete the NATS participation form

Terms and Conditions

By participating in our events, you are agreeing to our full terms and conditions, available at this link: NATS full Ts & Cs

Not About The Summit holds Public Liability Insurance. This does not cover you for personal injury or loss, please arrange your own insurance for your activity or holiday.

Minimum booking requirements

There is a minimum of 2 bookings required for this event to run. If less than 2 people have booked 1 week before the event, the event may be cancelled. A private booking can be arranged.