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Winter Skills

Knowing how and when to use your ice axe and crampons will open-up your winter journey options

This course covers the following topics.

Choosing the right equipment for your aspirations
Be avalanche aware when walking on snow covered terrain
Using your boot as a tool
How to get your crampons on and off
Crampon movement techniques
When to use your ice axe
Ice axe step cutting techniques
Arresting a slide using your ice axe
Building an emergency snow shelter
Where to practice those skills post training day
Know how to deal with an emergency

Our mountain experts will help you to enjoy the Scottish Mountains more confidently and independently. Even the most experienced walkers need to stay well practiced when it comes to winter mountain safety.

Ratio: 1-8

Cost: £90.00 per person (excludes the cost of kit hire)

Dates

Saturday 7th January 2023 - Perthshire
Saturday 4th February 2023 - Aviemore
Saturday 4th March 2023 - Perthshire

Winter Course Equipment List

Snow googles
Sun glasses
Long base plate compass such as a silva type 4 with lanyard/string
Ortlieb map case A5 or A4 document size
OS sheet 51 – 1 50 000 scale.
Pacing and timing card (tahdah.me)
Optional: Phone app view ranger or memory-map 1 50 or 1 25 000 scale maps of Scotland
Phone apps: Be Avalanche Aware, Mountain Weather UK
Head torch
Ice axe, crampons; can also be hired from Tiso
Helmet (not required for navigation courses)
1 x pair of waterproof gloves and 1 x pair of warm gloves
1 x warm hat plus spare, neck snood,
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Spare mid layer
Minimum 40 litre rucksack, with side compression straps
Rucksack waterproof liner and selection of waterproof drybags
Personal first aid kit for blisters and small tissue injury, personal medicines, pack of hand warmers
Packed lunch, snacks and warm fluids
Survival bag
Ski courses: Ski Mountaineering ski’s bindings, poles, boots, Transceiver supplied if you don’t have one
Avalanche Transceiver Training, transceiver supplied if you don’t have one

Book your place today

To book a place simply email our course provider Xplore Scotland directly on enquiries@xplorescotland.co.uk or phone 07917866304 and quote the course name, date and location you are interested in. Advance payment can be made over the phone by Xplorescotland who accept all major debit and credit cards. PLUS get 20% OFF in store kit hire when you book a place with Xplore Scotland - ask instore for more details. Please note that Tiso Gift Vouchers cannot be used as payment for a course.