Last year I was lucky enough to have an absolutely cracking winter season, mainly based up in Scotland trying to tick as many classic Mountaineering days out as possible, and at the same time get my Winter Mountain Leader Award. All that preparation and the years of experience I have mean that this year I am offering a selection of Winter Mountaineering and Winter Skills courses that will help you become confident and competent to venture into the British Mountains in Winter Conditions.
So what do the courses offer?
Well a variety of Winter Skills Courses and guided classic routes in both my now native Wales and Scotland. In Wales we can pick the best routes that are in condition and are appropriate for your training needs.
On the courses we can focus on either you learning the key winter skills of the use of ice axes and crampons; Route finding and navigation in winter; Using a rope to get yourself out of a tricky situation; and even the construction of emergency shelters.
Alternatively you might have a mountain peak or route that you want to summit, and focus a couple of days of getting you there.
During the course we will also cover the practical assessment of avalanche risks and how to avoid triggering one through observations both before we leave for a day in the hills and what we see on the way which may us make ‘real’ decisions to turn back or divert around potentially hazardous areas.
Where are the courses based?
The welsh winter courses are based out of my home base of Llanberis, this gives us great opportunities to head out all over the Snowdonia mountain range and find the types of terrain that will help teach you the skills you need to conquer your own challenges in the Winter Mountains.
Our Scottish based courses can be based anywhere across the Scottish Highlands. Whether you want the easy access of the Cairngorm corries or the rugged beauty of Glencoe and Fort William. If its true adventure into the remote North West, then we can head up to Glensheil or Torridon. Again we can chat about what you want to achieve and select a area that will help you reach those needs.
Either way I can advise you on places to say, and even book you into the same hostel or B&B as myself. Making sure that we get the most out of our stay.
For more details visit: Snowdonia Mountain Guides
Some links to typical days out from last season to give you some ideas!
Glencoe – Buachaille Etive Beg
The East Ridge of Ben A’ Choarian