About this Event
Overview
On this course you will learn and practice the main skills for walking and staying safe in the UK Mountains in Winter.
This 2 day winter skills course will be a small group, so it can be adapted to fit the needs and wants of those attending. We will do some joint planning, group and individual target setting on day 1 to ensure everyone develops their skills.
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.
The 2nd day of the course will involve a journey with ascent, so you must be fit enough to walk for 6 hours with 600m of ascent.
Main Topics that will be covered on the 2 day course
- Movement on ice and snow: Crampon and Ice axe techniques, including Ice axe arrest
- Avalanche: Reading Avalance Hazard Reports and planning accordingly
- Navigation: Key differences in winter; Low visibility and whiteout strategies
- Dealing with Emergencies: Emergency equipment and procedures
- Adapting to conditions: Dynamic risk assessment in the winter environment
- Efficient journeying: Group management and route choice - before and during your activity
- General Winter Kit: Advice on Clothing, Packing, Food and Drinks
Further Courses
If you already know you want to take your winter walking further, look for our 3 day winter skills course. The 3 day course is designed to give you more practice, cover more topics, navigate longer journeys and give you more 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
Day 1
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 than 10:00.
17:00 - Debrief in a cafe/pub, opportunity for questions, identify needs for day 2 and do some joint planning for day 2.
18:00 - We will finish no later than 18:00.
Day 2
08:00 - Meet in a cafe; Discuss weather and avalanche forecast. Review group & individual Aims and Objectives. Joint planning of the day 2 journey. The focus today will be in completing a journey, applying learning from day 1 with lots of opportunities for practicing skills.
10:00 - We will be heading out onto the hill, no later than 10:00.
17:00 - Debrief in a cafe/pub, opportunity for questions, recognise successes and next steps for your winter journey.
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. Day 2 will involve approx. 600m of ascent. 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.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Tiso Aviemore Outdoor Experience, Santa Claus Drive, Aviemore, United Kingdom
GBP 180.00
