mountainguides.co.uk

WINTER CLIMBING COURSE - SCOTLAND - INTRODUCTION

This winter climbing course in Scotland is suitable for people who want to learn the basics of winter climbing - starting on Grade 1/2 Gullies and Ridges. You will need some previous experience of wintern skill in using ice axe and crampons, and be confident on steep ground. Some summer scrambling or climbing experience is also useful. The course is run on a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio only, so it is ideal if you have a friend or partner who can make up a two. If you are booking alone, we will try to place you with another suitable participant, or you can book for 1:1 winter climbing guiding.

WINTER CLIMBING COURSE SCOTLAND - CONTENT

- Refresher of winter skills - security on steep ground.
- Climbing techniques for easy winter climbs - single and double axe technique, front pointing etc.
- Belaying and rope skills for winter climbs, including belaying on rock, snow and ice, cutting stances etc.
- Assessment of route conditions and choice of route.
- Equipment review.
- Safe descents.

COURSE PROGRAMME, DATES AND DETAILS - SCOTLAND
Scottish courses are based from Greystones House at Kingussie. This part of the Cairngorms offers a range of locations, with particularly good access into The Northern Corries, which provide one of Scotland's leading training areas, with many excellent routes. It is also a good base for access to Craig Meaghaidh, and Ben Nevis and Glencoe are within striking distance

PRICE:1:2 Ratio: The non-residential course fee is £200pp per weekend, £300 for 3 days: £400 for 4 days and £480 for 5 days. These prices are for a course with a maximum ratio of 1:2. Prices include instruction, use of specialist gear, and loan of axe/crampons as required.

DATES: Every weekend December to April conditions permitting.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS - A full equipment list is supplied on booking, We will supply ropes, and any technical gear required, though we encourage you to use your own equipment if you have it. Conditions in winter mountaineering can be extremely hostile, and you should be confident that your gear will protect you in severe conditions!

TRANSPORT: Trains stop at Kingussie for Scottish courses (overnight sleeper also available from London) and lifts are available from the station to the guest house. You can also fly to Inverness and take a train to Kingussie or hire a car.

IMPORTANT: Conditions favourable for mountaineering cannot be guaranteed anywhere - let alone during a Scottish winter season! We will try our best to cover the course content fully, but weather and snow conditions, plus the judgement of the instructor will ultimately determine what is possible. Please rest assured though, that we will do our best to provide you with an excellent course.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

SCOTTISH COURSES use the Northern Corries and other quieter parts of the Cairngorms and may also visit Craig Meaghaidh and on longer courses Ben Nevis and Glencoe. - it all depends on the conditions, the group and the length of the course. HiGHPOiNT have been operating since 1988 and are fully insured, hold an AALA license and are members of the British Mountaineering Council and Institute for Outdoor Learning.