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MTA Winter Conference – Winter Skills Introduction

Learn LEVEL | 1 day(s) | Ratio 1:6 | From £110.00

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Overview

A one-day introduction for those wishing to extend their walking into the winter season in North Wales, the Lakes, or Scotland. Primarily it is about learning to use an axe and crampons. Starting with making sound judgements about route choice and terrain, movement skills and effective boot placement before moving onto using the axe to aid safe travel, crampon techniques on steeper ground, and finally using the axe for self-arrest should the rest of those skills fail.

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DETAILED INFO

AIMS

This course is designed to introduce you to a range of core skills that will enable you to enjoy and move about the UK’s mountains in winter conditions, competently and confidently.

PRE-REQUISITES

Summer mountain walking experience

IS IT FOR ME?

To get the most out of this course we recommend that you have summer hill walking experience and a level of fitness that will allow you to undertake two consecutive days on the hill. Winter hill walking is arduous so a good level of fitness will allow you to cope with what are at times harsh and physically demanding conditions.

CONTENT

The programme is fairly flexible taking into account individual needs and aims, weather/snow conditions, etc. The main topics to be covered are:

The selection and organisation of personal kit appropriate to winter hill walking

Personal movement skills on snow, including kicking steps and using the ice axe for walking, self-belay, cutting steps, and self-arrest

Use of crampons in ascent/descent

Emergency procedures

Avalanche awareness and safe route choice

Core techniques of winter navigation

DATES & PRICES

2025
COURSE DATE COST
(no accommodation)
PLACES BOOKING
Date25/01/25Cost (no accommodation)£110.00Places
Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected]

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Instruction

Use of kit

Packed lunch and afternoon tea each day

In-course transport

NEED TO KNOW

WHAT WILL I NEED

YOU WILL NEED (Glenmore Lodge can provide if required)

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Insulated synthetic jacket with hood
  • Winter boots
  • Gaiters
  • Crampons
  • Ice axes
  • Helmet
  • Climbing harness
  • 40lt rucksack
  • walking poles (if it is your preference to use them)

EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO BRING WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE IN STORES

Listed here are the essentials, this is not an exhaustive list

  • Personal clothing
  • Winter outdoor wear
  • Insulating layers
  • Winter climbing/mountaineering trousers
  • Warm hat & gloves (several pairs)
  • Whistle
  • Compass
  • Waterproof map case
  • Headtorch
  • Rucksack liner/dry bags
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Personal toiletries & medications
  • Suncream & hat

Glenmore Lodge will provide any technical equipment required on a skills course e.g. climbing ropes and racks.

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Can't find exactly what you are looking for? We are happy to create it for you. You can hire one of our instructors or guides from as little as £280 a day, including any equipment. If you’re a group, all of our courses are available on a date that suits you or if you would prefer we can tailor a course to your requirements. Simply get in touch to discuss your requirements.