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Winter Mountain Skills - Lake District [winter walking]

Thursday, 30 January '25   1 day
Opposite Ullswater Tourist Information Centre, Beckside Car Park, Glenridding, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0PA
18 years and over
4 spaces available

Details

OVERVIEW
This is a mountain skills course based in the winter season, allowing us to access the high mountains in all weather conditions. We are hoping to deliver the courses in snow and ice but this is no longer a guarantee in the Lake District.

The focus of this course is on mountain preparedness; what kit is needed, how to pack and remain safe in the rain, wind, snow and ice that can be encountered on a winter day.

If the desired conditions prevail, we will be looking to teach ice axe and crampon techniques appropriate to your day so you can safely use this equipment when the time comes.

We like to use the Helvellyn area and access terrain such as Striding Edge, Swirral Edge and the Red Tarn headwall where we can deliver a comprehensive programme looking at boot work, crampon techniques, ice axe arrest and snow conditions.

We hope to educate navigation techniques and build an holistic course towards heading out in any conditions you may find on the hill.

COURSE OUTLINE
Gear and Equipment
-Essential winter clothing, footwear, and equipment for cold environments.
-Proper fitting of crampons, use of ice axes, and other winter-specific gear if appropriate to conditions

Navigation Essentials
-Map reading and compass skills for effective navigation in poor weather
-Understanding snow-covered terrain and its effect on navigation (if appropriate)

Route Planning and Avalanche Awareness
-Identifying potential avalanche terrain and safe route selection.
-Introduction to basic avalanche awareness and safety protocols.

Snow and Ice Techniques
-Safe movement on snow-covered slopes, including ascending and descending.
-Use of crampons, ice axes, and other winter-specific equipment.
(all conditions dependent)

Emergencies on the hill
-Techniques for insulating and staying warm in a winter environment.
-Emergency Procedures and group shelters
-How to call Mountain Rescues

Level: Intermediate, Beginner

Instructions

We may be able to open up more spaces if courses are full, please still enquire

The days run from 8:45am until around 4:00pm (daylight hours)

You will need experience of hill walking in summer conditions. 
You will need to be fit enough to be able to walk in the snow carrying a rucksack.

You will need crampons & an ice axe (can be hired from LDM)
You will need to wear suitable outdoor clothing and have appropriate mountain footwear 
(B1/B2 boots - these are rigid to take crampons)

All technical equipment can be provided & hired from LDM
We have a selection of boots to hire subject to sizes and availability
Boot hire is £10 per pair, per day

Tickets

Cost

Book Online: Winter Skills: Lake District - 1 Day

Winter Skills: Lake District - 1 Day
£100.00

Location

Opposite Ullswater Tourist Information Centre
Beckside Car Park
Glenridding
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 0PA

Please meet your instructor at this location
Sam drives a Grey Skoda Estate: MH68 TFA
Please come over to the vehicle and say hello

There is free parking in the lay-bys just outside the car park during the winter time if there are spaces here
We often car share to the Helvellyn YHA and start from here, this location is for meeting and car parking for the day

Amenities

  • Toilets
  • Parking