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WINTER SKILLS WEEK ITINERARY
Below is given an outline of how a winter skills week may progress. Please note that this is for guidance only, and that variations may well occur due to weather and snow conditions etc.
MONDAY. After meeting other group members and a discussion on the itinerary for the week, we will start by lookiing at a variety of navigation techniques. This will take place in the hills such as the Cromdales or the Ladders, and will allow us plenty of time to learn and practice skills such as timing, pacing and walking on bearings in winter conditions. On our return, we will look at and discuss a variety of ice axe and crampon types, and will spend time fitting crampons to your boots.
TUESDAY. The whole of this day covers the skills of axe and crampon use on steep ground. We will be working in an area such as the Northern Corries of Cairngorm, where we will practice the essential skills of self arrest skills and cramponning. An introduction to the elements of avalanche awareness will also be covered.
WEDNESDAY. Today, the plan is to spend all of the time looking at navigational skills when crossing snow covered terrain, whilst thinking carefully about route choice and hazard avoidance. You will be taking it in turns to lead navigational "legs", and learning to make sound travel decisions. This day could well include the summits of Cairngorm and Cairn Lochan, fine viewpoints in good weather.
THURSDAY. One of the more important elements of the day is the digging of a variety of snow shelters. We will experiment using shovels, ice axes, and almost anything else that comes to hand! If you have decided that ropework would be of interest, this is the day on which we will show you a few simple ways to safeguard yourself and your companions, both up and down awkward steps. Please note that this session will not be held on steep ground, but we will use a simple snow step a few feet high for demonstration.
FRIDAY. Travel in the mountains is the plan, and you will be organising the day along with the other course members. It is always nice to take in a summit or two to finish with, especially if you do not know the area, and a trip across the plateau to Ben Macdui (Britain's second highest mountain) is not out of the question, given reasonable weather and snow conditions. After a group and, if you wish, individual debrief, the evening turns in to a social event for those staying on!