Winter Skills Week 2012

Scotland

25th Feb to 3rd March 2012

The 2013 date will be published in the Autumn.

2007 Photographs

Click to see Winter 2007 Photos

Each year HSMT run a Winter skills week in Scotland. The week caters for those that are new to or have limited experience in winter mountaineering, those that are experienced Winter mountaineers and Scout leaders who wish to be assessed for their terrain 1 and/or 2 Winter Scouting authorisations.

For those applicants that are relatively new to winter mountaineering but already have good summer mountain walking experience a programme will be put in place that will provide the candidate with a good grounding in the more specialist skills that are required to safeguard themselves in the winter mountain environment.

For those applicants who already have a good grounding in winter mountain skills with relative winter experience but wish to improve and enhance that experience by joining with other like minded individuals then this week will offer that opportunity. These applicants will have the ability and confidence to choose and follow their own routes whilst not relying on others to lead them.

There are also places available for those Scout leaders who wish to be assessed for terrain 1 and/or terrain 2 Winter Scouting authorisations. Those wishing to be assessed must have extensive Winter walking/leading experience compliant with the technical competencies laid out within POR, they must be able to provide log book evidence of this experience and be able to show an assessor these skills when required. Please provide log book experience along with your application form. The application will only be accepted based on adequate log book experience.

For all categories there are a limited number of places and the method of booking is simply on a "first come first served basis". To confirm your intention please complete the Winter application form and send along with a deposit cheque to the address noted on the application form.

The minimum age for attending is 18 years old.

It is essential that those wishing to attend this week should have, as a minimum, a good Summer mountain walking experience with the ability to carry their own kit on what can be big Winter mountain days.

Within our programme we will, if weather and conditions permit, offer an overnight experience. This can range from snow holes to 4 season camping. If this activity interests you then please bring appropriate equipment to sleep out in Winter conditions.

Course Venue

The venue for the 2012 course will be Glensheil Lodge. The maximum numbers for this course is 14. A completed course application form and a deposit will secure your place.

Course Costs

The cost of the week is £300.00, which includes fuel costs (subject to car sharing), food and accomodation. A deposit of £50 is required with your course application. Cheques should be made payable to "HCSC" and sent to the address on the application form.

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 will be finalised once exact numbers have been confirmed.

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