Winter Skills 101 (incl. 2 night stay)

If you're a keen summer hill-walker but lack the skills to venture out in the winter mountains, then this is the course for YOU!

The mountains of Scotland are a breath-taking sight when covered with snow but without the skills and knowledge to negotiate them safely, they can be dangerous. ‘Winter Skills 101‘ is a two-day course which aims to give women the skills and confidence to continue hill-walking safely into the winter months. It's also a great way to meet an awesome bunch of likeminded outdoor women!

Our popular winter skills courses includes all the following:

> Two full days of Winter Skills instruction with female Winter Leaders/Winter MCI-qualified instructors

> One day of uplift by gondola/chairlift (Nevis Range/Glencoe Mountain) to maximise learning-time above the snow-line.

> Two-night stay (Fri & Sat) at comfortable and conveniently located Roam West (half-way between Glencoe and Fort William to make use of the best conditions/venues each day). Bar restaurant and drying room on-site.

> Tea and cake in the lodge kitchen after returning from the hill

> Sociable 2-course 'group meal' at Roam West bar restaurant on the Saturday night

COURSE CONTENT

The course covers the neccssary basic mountaineering techniques such as movement-skills (for ascent and descent on snow), when and how to use crampons, how to self-arrest using an ice-axe, avalanche awareness and the essentials of winter navigation, plus route and equipment choice.

On the Sunday, we will put all these skills to practice and make a journey in the mountains, aiming to reach a summit - weather permitting. We will also discuss a best-practice approach to mountain-safety, which will include what to do in an emergency situation and the role of informed decision-making in the winter mountain environment.

Winter Skills 101 is delivered by female Winter Mountain Leaders, with a background in mountaineering. For your safety, the ratio will be a maximum of 1:6.

Equipment hire is NOT included in the cost of the course.

KIT HIRE

If you need to hire boots/crampons/axe then please contact Mountain Hire in Fort William or Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports Fort William .

https://www.mountainhire.co.uk/

www.ellis-brigham.com/equipment-hire-scotland

If you already have your own winter boots, then you can hire axe and crampons from our event venue, Roam West, for just £10 per set, with all proceeds to the Tom Furey Memorial Trust (call 01855 821393 or email info@roamwest.co.uk to reserve).

Full details and an equipment list will be provided upon booking.

FITNESS & EXPERIENCE

Previous summer hillwalking experience is necessary for this course and a good level of ’hill-fitness‘ is required for two consecutive days on the hill, and to get the most out of the weekend.

Our goal is to empower women with the skills and confidence neccessary to take the next step and experience the unparalleled beauty of the Scottish Highlands in winter.

WEATHER AND SNOW CONDITIONS

Scottish winter is notoriously fickle and unfortunately we cannot guarantee good snow and wintery conditions at any point during the winter season. When you book with Girls on Hills, you can feel assured that we will give you the best possible course under the given conditions - but we cannot be held responsible for the variable snow cover! As local guides, we do however know all the best places to learn and practice winter skills in all weathers/conditions, whether that's a howling gale or balmy sunshine with little snow.

Every year we go the extra mile to give our winter course attendees the best possible learning experience in the face of unpredictable and changing seasons, which are increasingly being impacted by climate change. We'll head out and have a great time in the winter mountains, whatever that looks like on the day.

Girls on Hills reserve the right to modify the course itinerary to keep clients safe and to make the best of the winter conditions are available. Winter Skills 101 courses will only be cancelled if mountain weather/conditions are deemed unsafe to continue. You can see our cancellation policy and full T&Cs here.