Winter Skills - Aviemore - 2 Days

This course is designed for hillwalkers or summer mountaineers who wish to be able to appreciate the hills throughout the year, regardless of the weather or conditions. No prior winter experience is required – even if you are completely new to winter activities!

The course is run from Aviemore and will be conducted by either myself (Alice) or a freelance instructor. If you wish to find out who will be leading your course, please contact me.

On each day, we will meet at 8.30am (in The Explorer Cafe, Tiso, Aviemore on Day 1, a designated car park on Day 2) and spend the majority of the day in  the hills. We will finish each day around 4pm. 

This course's schedule heavily relies on the weather conditions. In case the weather is unsuitable for certain activities planned, we will make necessary adjustments.

It will give you the skills to begin to move around the hills and mountains during the winter with confidence and competence.

The course will include:

- 2 days out in the Cairngorms

- Hire of Crampon and Ice Axe (booked at registration)

- Personal kit selection and appropriate use of kit

- Route planning and Avalanche Awareness

- Intro to winter navigation skills

- Use of an ice axe for personal movement including cutting steps, self arrest and self belay.

- Use of crampons in ascent/decent, including kicking steps.

- Emergency Procedures in the hills

This course will not include:

- Accommodation - Get in touch if you would like advice about accommodation

- Transport - Though I can help with this if you are coming by train :) 

Kit List

Essential Kit for you to have

- Waterproof Jacket (WITH hood)

- Waterproof Trousers

- Insulated jacket/coat

- Fleece layer/jumper

- Mountain Boots (B2/B3 stiff bottomed boots - please make sure your boots are suitable, or hire some, message me if you are unsure!)

- Medium size rucksack (with waterproof liner, or dry bags)

- Hat 

- 2 x Gloves (At least 1 waterproof pair)

- Sunglasses or Sun Hat

- Goggles

- Buff or Balaclava

- Head torch and spare batteries

- Walking pole(s)

- Food and Drink for the day

- Thermos flask is recommended so that you can have a hot drink!

- Personal Medication and First Aid Kit

- Foil survival bag

- Emergency Whistle

- Waterproof map of the area (Or non-waterproof map in waterproof cover) I will let you know which map nearer the time.

- Compass (Silva Expedition Type 4 is recommended)

Recommended:

- Gaiters

- Waterproof socks

Essential Kit available for hire (feel free to bring your own if you prefer!)

• Crampons (12 point, with anti-balling plate)

• Ice Axe – 50 – 65cm, straight walking axe                                These 3 pieces of kit can be booked at checkout!

• Helmet (Suitable for Climbing/Mountaineering)

If you need further information, feel free to contact me. Each course is tailored to the participants in the group and can be adjusted to accommodate various levels of experience and skills.