OVERVIEW
This winter climbing course is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to climb snow, ice and mixed routes in the winter mountains. This means equipping you with the knowledge to be safe on graded ground in snowy environments. It emphasises practical application with a focus on safety, looking at the technical skills of climbing such as ropework, knots and belaying as well the physical movement needed for two axe climbing; hooking, torquing and swinging efficiently.
There is an emphasis on 'winterising' our summer climbing knowledge and getting to grips with more winter specific equipment and techniques, such as ice screws, snow anchors, winter belays, crampon movement, ice axe placement and managing your stances, changeovers and ropework with gloves and goggles.
The course will take a holistic approach to winter climbing and we will look to educate all aspects of winter mountaineering and climbing when the opportunity arises. This includes avalanche information and education, route condition and grades, coaching winter movement and developing your winter navigation
COURSE OUTLINE
Gear and Equipment
Essential winter clothing, climbing boots, crampons and axes for graded climbs.
Proper fitting of C2/C3 crampons and other winter-specific gear
Route Planning and Avalanche Awareness
Identifying potential avalanche terrain and safe route selection.
Introduction to basic avalanche awareness and safety protocols.
Snow and Ice Climbing Techniques
Safe movement on snow-covered slopes, including ascending and descending.
Use of crampons for front pointing, axes for swinging; hooking and torquing.
'Winterising' Climbing Knowledge
How our rack can differ and what gear is useful
Ice screw placement and belays
Ropework and winter belays
Kicking ledges
Getting to grips with gloves and goggles and the harsh winter environment
Navigation Essentials
Map reading and compass skills for effectively navigation in poor weather
Understanding snow-covered terrain and its effect on navigation
EXAMPLE ROUTES
Grade I
Jacobs Ladder
Central Gully
Number 4 Gully
Grade II
Jacobs Edge
Fiaciall Couloir
Ledge Route
Number 2 Gully
Spiral Gully
Grade III
Hidden Chimney
Tower Ridge
Left Twin
Wavelength
And lots, lots more
Level: intermediate
YOU WILL NEED
You will need to wear suitable clothing for winter mountaineering/climbing, including a full set of waterproofs, warm layers, hat & gloves, ski goggles and winter mountaineering boots (B3 boots ideally)
B2 boots can be hired from LDM, subject to sizes and availability of our stocks.
Technical climbing axes (2x)
We can provide crampons, ice axe, helmets and other technical equipment for a small hire fee.
The course is based in the Cairngorms but may head to Ben Nevis/Glen Coe to make use of routes/conditions
We will mostly climb in the Northern Corries so Aviemore is a useful base if looking for accommodation.
| Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
Book Online - Intro to Winter Climbing
4 available
If the course date is less than 30 days away, please use this ticket and pay in full.
|
£295.00 | |
Book with 50% deposit
3 available
This ticket allows you to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course. We will be in touch when the full amount is due. The full amount will be due no later than 30 days before the course commences.
|
£147.50 |
Cairngorm Mountain
Cairngorm Ski Area
Aviemore
PH22 1RB
On Day 1 we will meet at Tiso cafe in Aviemore before coming to this location
All subsequent days will meet here, at the Cairn Gorm Mountain Resort
Amenities