Winter Skills Week 2011

(Scotland)

22nd - 29th January 2011

This course is now fully booked.

2007 Photographs

Click to see Winter 2007 Photos

Each year HSMT run a winter skills week in Scotland. The week is aimed at both the novice, who wants to gain experience in snow conditions, to the more experienced who want to expand their skills.

In previous years the programme structure for the week has been based on splitting into smaller groups.
The more experienced engaged on self managed activities within their experience/skill level.
Those with some winter mountain experience consolidating their basic key skills and adding new skills,
For relative novice to gain the basic key Winter mountain skills - plus of course all doing just what you enjoy!

The minimum age for attending this skills week is 18 years old.
It is advised that those who wish to attend this skills week should have some summer / winter hill or mountain walking experience, carrying their own kit, due to the time spent walking and carrying the required kit in the Scottish mountains.

Course Venue

The venue for the course will be The New Lodge, Badan Mhugaidh, Torridon. The maximum numbers for this course is 12.

Course Costs

The anticipated cost, subject to a minimum of 10 attendees, is £250 which includes fuel costs (subject to car sharing), food and accomodation.

The Programme

2006 Photographs

Click to see Winter 2006 Photos

The programme for the week is based on the expertise and aspirations of those attending, and the availability of the necessary guide expertise.

Obviously the existing snow conditions and weather will play a great part in what we do and where we go.

Equipment

HSMT can and will advise on equipment needs and can arrange, if necessary, the borrowing of some items.
The Team will have some maps of the areas for loan, emergency shelters, shovels and provide any other specialist equipment ie Ice axes, helmets and crampons (free of charge if returned!).

Individual Kit

Please note this is not an exhaustive list for everything you need, but a guide to the key essential Winter type items.
Other items will be be confirmed prior to the week.

Winter boots, suitable for crampons (B2 for example)	Ice Axe (Walking)	Crampons that are suitable and fit your Winter boots (C2 for example)
Warm sleeping bag (4 season if out over-night)	Personal first aid & penknife	Thick socks
Gloves, composite or separate inner/outer; water-proof/breathable outer	Compass & map-case	Goggles
Sunglasses - goggles may be used instead on overly bright days	Dry-bag or rucksack liner	Gaiters
Waterproof jacket and trousers	Balaclava & Warm hat	Head torch
A separate set of old waterproofs suitable for sliding on rough ground	Orange emergency bivvi bag	Roll-mat
Inner and mid layers, thermal inners – body, arms and legs, walking trousers and mid wear thermal fleece jacket	Rugged flask and mug	Helmet
Rucsac 45/50 litre for day; normal large expedition sac if over-nighting	Gore-tex bivi bag	Spare - emergency food

Winter 2007