2012 Winter Courses As a premier provider of mountain training we will again be providing a full programme of brilliant snowy adventures in winter 2012. From a day summiting Ben Nevis to a classic grade 5 ice climb in Glencoe. From seasoned campaigner to winter novice - Peak Mountaineering prides itself on having the right course to suit everyone’s winter aspirations. All our winter courses are based in Fort William. We believe you can’t get a better location for winter activities as a short drive gives us access to many world famous winter venues such as Ben Nevis and Glencoe while we also have the Cairngorms just a short hop away. As well as the scheduled courses listed we can always offer private guiding. If you don’t see a suitable course listed please give us a call and have a chat. Our winter courses fill fast and we always focus on quality rather than quantity. Please don’t delay if you want to join us. Full booking details can be found on our website at www.peakmountaineering.com or call our office on 01433 620283. We look forward to our adventure together.
www.peakmountaineering.com 01433620283 07729302925
Winter Skills Courses 2 Day Winter Skills Course A course suitable for everyone from outdoor beginner to experienced summer hillwalker. Over 2 busy days we’ll cover all the key skills needed to feel confident venturing into the winter environment including equipment choice, using an ice axe and crampons effectively, moving efficiently on snow, mountain navigation, planned and emergency snow shelters, coping with the cold (nutrition, cold injuries and energy conservation), avalanche awareness, snow analysis and dealing with emergencies. Two consecutive winter days requires a reasonable fitness level but this course is obviously not as physically demanding as our 5-day course. • • • • •
2 days Ratio 1:6 Cost £150 Non-residential Sat 18th and Sun 19th February and Sat 24th and Sun 25th March
3 Day Winter Skills Course A great option. For the first couple of days we cover all the skills of our 2-day course then we head off on day three for a mountain journey. This allows us to consolidate all the things we've covered and allows us time to focus on any skills that need more input - as well as giving us a great excuse to get out and enjoy the winter hills one more time! • • • • •
3 days Ratio 1:6 Cost £220 Non-residential Sat 25th – Mon 27th February and Mon 2nd – Wed 4th April
5 Day Winter Skills Course The daddy of winter courses and our most popular. Suitable for beginners and summer hillwalkers looking to head for the white stuff. Over 5 full days we cover all the skills needed to become a confident winter hillwalker: equipment choice, using an ice axe and crampons effectively, moving efficiently on snow, mountain navigation, planned and emergency snow shelters, coping with the cold (nutrition, cold injuries and energy conservation), avalanche awareness, snow analysis and dealing with emergencies. Five full winter days require a good fitness level and you will get the most from this course if you take some time to physically prepare beforehand. • • • • •
5 days Ratio 1:6 Cost £350 per person Non-residential Mon 20th – Fri 24th February and Mon 3rd – Fri 7th March
Snow Shelter Adventure You've watched Ray Mears build one, heard about Scott of the Antarctic living in one for months, or just fancy being an Eskimo for a night. No problem...our snow shelter adventure will be sure to bring out the Shackleton in you! On day one we pack our bags, head to a suitable location and then take time building our shelter. This day also gives us a chance to discuss other types of shelter and make sure we are fully aware of all the relevant safety issues. Then we cook an evening feast and bed down for a real night with a difference. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we'll use the day to take in a fine wintery walk back to civilisation - and the inevitable celebratory beers! The weekend is suitable for everyone - all you need is a reasonable fitness level and a sense of adventure! As always we will provide all the technical equipment (including snow shovels and other safety equipment). All you need to bring (in addition to clothing and boots) is a suitable sleeping bag, sleeping mat, bivvy bag and a rucksack large enough to carry everything in (we can happily advise you on options). • • • • •
2 days Ratio 1:4 Cost £150 Accommodation before and after the course is not covered but obviously the snow shelter night is! Sat 4th – Sun 5th February and Sat 3rd – Sun 4th March
Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Courses 3 Day Winter Mountaineering Course A great course for anyone who’s got the winter bug and wants to progress to climbing graded winter routes. Over 3 action packed days we’ll refresh your ice axe and crampon skills while developing your knowledge of winter climbing equipment, avalanche avoidance, route choice, weather forecast interpretation and rope work suitable for operating on climbs up to grade 2. You’ll also end the 3 days having ticked a bunch of classic Scottish mountaineering routes! • • • • •
3 days Ratio 1:2 Cost £330 per person Non-residential Mon 30th January – Wed 1st February and Sat 17th – Mon 19th March
3 Day Winter Climbing Course Our 3 day winter climbing course is perfect for people who have previous winter mountaineering experience and summer rock climbing experience (or some limited winter climbing experience) and want to get to grips with climbing in winter conditions. Using a range of climbs in the grade 2-5 range will allow us to introduce key winter climbing skills such as using two axes, movement skills on steep snow, ice and mixed ground, winter belays, route finding, route choice and avalanche avoidance. • • • • •
3 days Ratio 1:2 Cost £385 per person Non-residential Fri 3rd – Mon 5th February and Sat 17th- Mon19th March
5 Day Winter Learn to Lead Course Five days specifically aimed at getting experienced winter mountaineers confidently leading graded winter routes. The exact course content is kept as flexible as possible to cater for individual needs but we will certainly cover winter specific climbing protection, stance management, winter anchors, belays and belaying considerations for winter conditions, movement skills on snow, ice and mixed ground, route choice and route finding, avalanche avoidance, abseiling and safe descent. By the end of the course the only thing you’ll need is ……………more time to climb – winter climbing is very addictive! • • • • •
5 days Ratio 1:2 Cost £585 per person Non-residential Mon 6th – Fri 10th February and Mon 12th – Fri 16th March