Winter Skills Course

On the training course, will get to develop your winter skills and learn new techniques. Such as: navigation, use of crampons & ice axes, walking safely in the snow, snow-pack analysis, & avalanche awareness/evaluation. Moreover, the Winter Skills days will utilise the Cairngorms (the very heart of winter in Scotland) to teach you the fundamentals of hill walking in Winter conditions.

Our winter skills days and training courses are based at the Cairngorms Adventure Centre and use the Northern Corries and Cairngorm Plateau, one of Scotland’s finest and most accessible high mountain areas, thus maximising your learning time. Similarly, other fine areas that we may use are; Creag Meagaidh, Ben Nevis & Glencoe. To sum up, where we go will depend on where the best snow conditions are and what is most appropriate.

Itinerary

Below there is a break down of what you would gain from the Winter Skills Course. We do also offer two and four day Winter Skills Courses as well.

• Winter navigational skills.
• Winter Crampon & ice axe skills .
• Safe mountain walking skills in Scottish winter conditions.
• Snow-pack analysis skills.
• Avalanche awareness/evaluation training.
• Scottish Winter weather evaluation skills.
• Two Day Scottish Winter Skills Courses.
• Emergency Winter Shelters.
• Detailed snow-pack analysis.
• The Use of Transceivers.
• Basic Introduction to Winter Skills Rope Work.
• Four Day Scottish Winter Skills Course
• Search & rescue Scenario.
• Advanced Winter Skills Rope Work.
• 1 night Winter expedition – Skills Snowholing in Aviemore & the Cairngorms, or elsewhere in Scotland.

On the Scotland Winter skills courses/days in Aviemore & the Cairngorms, you will cover the above skills which are crucial to be able to travel safely in the hills. Of course, the skills you will cover on the Winter skills training will depend on the length of your chosen course. With this in mind, see links to the Two & Four day Courses.

• 07.45 Groups meet & equipment issued.
• 08.00 Depart for activities
• Courses will finish around 5pm

Included in the Winter Skills Training

• On-course transport.
• Instruction (as outlined).
• Technical equipment (if required).

Not Included in the Training Course

• Accommodation – book directly if required.
• Personal accident Insurance.
• Waterproofs, base layers, warm layers, gloves (x2 pairs at least),.
• 40+L rucksack, hat, balaclava & Ski Goggles.
• Gaiters are desirable.

Pre-Requisites

• Those booking on to the Scotland winter skills training courses in Aviemore & the Cairngorms should have prior mountain walking experience.
• A good level of fitness is extremely beneficial.