A comprehensive grounding for anyone wanting the skills to venture safely into the mountains in winter. It aims to give you the ability to tackle adventurous routes up the Scottish Winter mountains which could involve climbing steep snow slopes, tackling mixed ridge scrambles, crossing high snowy plateaus and negotiating cornices.
You'll learn how to use an ice axe and crampons properly so that you feel confident moving across icy and steep terrain. You'lI learn to acquire the techniques and snow craft needed to climb easy gullies and ridges and we'll look at emergency procedures such as building snow shelters. You'll develop an essential awareness of avalanche risk and hopefully build a keen sense of winter mountain navigation. You'll gain this knowledge whilst climbing some of Scotland's dramatic West Coast hills. The maximum teaching ratio throughout the course is 1:4.
Experience A good level of aerobic fitness is the most important thing and some experience of summer hill walking would be advantageous.
Equipment All mountaineering equipment is provided including an ice axe, crampons,harness and helmet. However, feel free to bring along any of your own gear but please be aware that a mountaineering axe should be around 60cm and definitely no longer than 65cm