Alan Kimber - West Coast Mountain Guides Winter climbing courses


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Winter Mountaincraft - Winter Munros

Looking towards Ben Nevis from Aonach MorThese five day starter level courses are aimed at people with limited experience of snow and ice covered mountains who would like to extend their summer activities to high mountains in winter. They offer an opportunity to learn about the special requirements of winter clothing; equipment; ice axe and crampon skills. A strong emphasis will be placed on navigation and winter survival techniques. Time will be spent each day assessing the weather and snow conditions in order to show methods of detecting potential avalanche slopes and choosing the safest and easiest routes of ascent and descent.

 

The summit of Buachaille Etive MorMost days (6/8hrs) will be spent on mountains between 600m and 1200m. A number of winter 'Munros' will be climbed. A reasonable level of fitness is required for people taking this course. Hopefully those attending will gain confidence in their own ability to travel more safely over snow covered mountains in future. Roped climbing is not included during this week, but very simple confidence ropework will be taught if required in order to safeguard the party on slippery winter mountains. The entry level for winter mountains.


Sample programme

  • Saturday evening
    Arrivals at accommodation..
  • Sunday
    Kit checks - Essential skills - Step kicking/cutting - Ice axe arrest - Walking in crampons - Snow cave shelters.
  • Monday
    Essential skills in use to ascend a 3,000ft mountain by a straightforward route in order to reinforce previous days training. Group survival shelters.
  • Tuesday
    Essential skills - Navigation - Map & Compass - Pacing & Timing - 'White-out' techniques
  • Wednesday & Thursday
    Client led days. Using the skills previously learnt course members are given the chance to plan and lead their own mountain days in company with the instructor.

A comprehensive library of instructional and inspirational mountain videos and books is available for use throughout the course which will compliment the practical daily programme.

Ratio:

  • Tower Ridge - Ben Nevis1 Instructor to six people. Individuals or groups are welcome. No minimum numbers.

Cost:

  • £360.00 (instruction only)
  • £440.00 (self cater 6 nights)
  • £515.00 (B&B 6 nights)
  • £660.00 (Hotel, all meals/packed lunch 6 nights)

Dates - 2009:

  • Jan 2/4th (3 days £220.00 for instruction only)...4/8th...11/15th...18/22nd
  • Feb 1/5th....8/12th….Feb 22/26th
  • March 8/12th...March 22/26th
  • March 29th to April 2nd
  • Easter course (4 day £300.00 - instruction only). Good Friday to Easter Monday Inclusive April 10/13th

    All courses meet on Sunday morning and finish on the Thursday evening (six nights accommodation). Except Easter

Useful links

Winter kit list

 

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