Two Day Winter Skills - 21st and 22nd March
Two Day Winter Skills - 21st and 22nd March
We are delighted to have Naomi run this course for Hillgoers. As a Winter Mountain Leader, International Mountain Leader and Team Doctor for Scottish Mountain Rescue you are in safe and knowledgeable hands!
This course will cover some of the fundamentals of winter hill walking in Scotland. You should have good summer hill walking experience before attending this course. You will also need boots capable of taking a crampon. Ice axes and crampons can be hired from Braemar Mountain Sports (Β£15/day).
The course starts at 9am at the Glenshee Ski Centre cafΓ© to go through weather, Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) forecasting, clothing (checking crampons fit), staying warm and general safety, before heading out. Please note that meet up location may change to Braemar if snow gates are closed, weβll confirm the day before the event.
On the journey out to the training area Naomi will talk about the ground, clues to snow movement, identifying risk areas, snow laden slopes, terrain traps etc.
You will also discuss navigation techniques, how the conditions underfoot can affect speed, tips on low visibility and avoiding risk.
Depending on ground conditions you will start the training on the way to the training area, using boots as a tool, self-arrest without an axe etc. It might also be suitable to fit crampons and walk with an axe to the training area.
At the training area Naomi will cover:
Walking using crampons up and down hill
Walking with an axe and stowing an axe when not in use
Step cutting and the suitability of each type
Shelters, building the various types and the benefits of shovels
Benefit of transceivers and companion rescue
Some of these topics will be covered or recapped on day 2 which could be more of a mountain journey. Day 2 will bring all together all that you have learnt also allowing each client to take a navigation leg.
Snow conditions and weather on the day will dictate how the training is managed. Contact us for more information. Participation form and kit guide will be sent on booking. Terms and conditions apply.