Access-Mountain
GALLERY
Course content
Equipment choice
Using weather and avalanche forecast to plan a trip
Route plotting, safe travel and mountain safety
Use of winter boots, ice axe and crampons
Snowpack assessment
Self arrest techniques
Winter navigation
Difficulties, obstacles and how to manage them
Winter skills - the essentials of snowy mountain travel
For summer hill walkers looking to 'winterise' or those simply wishing to have an adventurous experience! When the mountains are in winter condition everything is much harder, simply managing and looking after yourself is a skill in itself. We place a great deal of emphasis on planning and good decision making so that you can get the best out of your winter walking with a good margin of safety.
Courses run throughout the winter which generally means mid December to April depending on conditions.
Is it for me?
Experience of summer mountain walking is important, as is a good level of fitness. The effort required in winter is much greater than that of the summer equivalent. Loads are generally heavier and a typical day might involve 1000 metres of ascent and descent.