Winter Skills - Aviemore - 2 Days

This course is aimed at hillwalkers or summer mountaineers who would like to be able to enjoy the hills year round, whatever the  weather or conditions. No winter experience is needed, you can be a total winter newby!

The course is based from Aviemore.

On each day, we will meet at 9am (in The Explorer Cafe, Tiso, Aviemore on Day 1) and spend the majority of the day in  the hills. We will finish each day around 4pm. 

The plan for this course is very dependent on the weather - if the weather is not suitable for some of the itinerary, we will work around it. 

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, mesage 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)

Recomendeed:

- Gaiters

- Waterproof socks

Essential Kit that can be hired (bring your own if you have them!)

• Crampons (12 point, with anti-balling plate)
• Ice Axe – 50 – 65cm, straight walking axe                                These 3 peices of kit can be booked at checkout!
• Helmet (Suitable for Climbing/Mountaineering)

Get in touch if you would like more details. Each course is designed around the individuals in the group and can be flexible to different experience and skill levels. 

I also run 5 DAY WINTER SKILLS and WOMEN’S WINTER SKILL COURSES -