Introductory winter mountaineering course in Scotland
Join this introductory mountaineering course in Scotland and develop your winter and summit skills with Ken, an MIC certified instructor.
Details
Trip Duration
5 days
People per Guide
6 people
Trip Level
Intermediate
Offer Period
Jan, Feb, Mar
Type of Trip
Not specified
Highlights
Price per person, per day
Itinerary
- Day 1: Essential skills
We’ll do equipment checks and learn essential skills: step kicking/cutting, ice axe arrest, walking on crampons and snow cave shelters.
- Day 2: Ascent
We’ll ascend a 900m mountain by a straightforward route. Group survival shelters.
- Day 3: Essential Skills
We’ll learn other essential skills: navigation, map and compass, pacing and timing and “white-out” techniques.
- Day 4 to 5: Skills in action
We’ll use the learnt skills to plan and lead your own mountain days, accompanied by me.
Other details
Beginner
Occasional
Price for 2-day course: £210
Level: summer walkers with a reasonable level of hill fitness.
Equipment:
-Socks –a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks.
-Thermal/Base Layers
-Fleeces. At least one for your upper body. Having an extra fleece top in a waterproof liner at the bottom of your rucksack is essential.
-Walking trousers
-Warm Hat and Waterproof Gloves
-Waterproof jacket and over trousers ( Outer shell clothing)
-Rucsac. A medium volume sac (30 -45 litres) is best, with ice axe carrying loops.
-Bivvy Bag. A large person sized poly or foil survival bag is the minimum requirement.
-Gaiters or Stop-tous
-Head Torch
-First Aid kit
-Compass/Map. The map should be weather-proofed in a clear plastic map case or covered with clear sticky back plastic.
-Whistle/Watch
-Flask –0.5-1 litre for hot drinks on the hill.
-Lunch & Spare Food
-Ski Goggles
-Boots. They should be crampon compatible, with a stiffness rating of B1 minimum, and ideally B2. B3 boots are fine, if you find them comfortable.
-Crampons. They should have 10 or 12 points and be compatible with your boots. We suggest anti-balling plates and cutting your straps not too short.
-Ice Axe of 50–65cm. You can choose to have either a wrist loop or leash. We recommend going without, as they can get in the way.
-Helmet
About the Guide
I gained a good insight into the instruction and guiding of mountaineering activities whilst working as a member of the domestic team at Glenmore Lodge in the summer of 2003. Since then, I have skied, climbed, trekked and mountaineered across the length and breadth of the UK, from Cornwall to the Orkney Isles, and overseas, having sought adventures in China, Mongolia, The Indian Himalayas, New Zealand, Japan, Southern Africa, The Swiss, Italian and French Alps, The Pyrenees, Southern Spain and Norway. I enjoy climbing in all it’s forms, whether it be bouldering at Fontainebleau, sport climbing at Rodellar, trad and winter climbing in the UK or alpine climbing in Switzerland. I have also put up a couple of new routes, Mint Sauce E1 5c in Glen Nevis and Feathered Friend V,5 on Creag Meagaidh.
I have completed my Mountaineering Instructor Certificate (MIC), the highest instructional qualification in the UK, which enable me to work both in summer and winter conditions, whether it’s walking, mountaineering or climbing, and is a full member of both the Association or Mountaineering Instructors, and The Mountain Instructor’s Community. I have also completed my International Mountain Leader Summer Training and have worked as a contracted instructor for Abacus Mountain Guides, Martin Moran, Glenmore Lodge, Mountain Motion, West Coast Mountain Guides, Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre, Adventure Peaks, The Outward Bound Trust, Ryan Glass Mountaineering, Hike Pyrenees, World Challenge Expeditions and Outlook Expeditions.
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