This weekend I was joined by Kevin, Brian, Claire and Anne-Marie for a 2 day winter skills course. They are all experienced summer walkers keen to develop the skills to head out into the winter mountains confidently.

The weather in Scotland has remained very wintery in recent weeks although on Friday (and into the weekend) temperatures were milder and there was some rain. This has combined with the substantial recent snowfall to make some excellent, but quite challenging, winter conditions. Although this may limit options slightly the positive side is that it provides lots of opportunities to discuss snowpack analysis, avalanche hazard and route choice!

On Saturday we headed onto Aonach Mor and spent time looking at ice axe arrests and self belays, the effective use of ice axe and crampons, using shovel shear tests and Rutschblock tests to assess the snowpack and route choice in avalanche terrain. Over the course of the day we completed a circular journey near the ski area which also allowed us to look at terrain features and indicators such as sastrugi, riming and cornices. The finale was a good old bum slide down to the gondola and a welcome ride to the valley (and the pub!).

Yesterday we went to Glencoe and headed into Stob Coire Nan Lochain for round 2. Although it’s a steep walk into the Lochain we found the quality snow we were looking for and spent time digging a selection of emergency shelters and discussing emergency equipment, step cutting, use of crampons and ice axes on much steeper ground and we completed our ice axe arrest session so the team can now cope with a slide from any position.

It was a busy, lively weekend and I hope the team get the chance to put many of their new skills into practice as soon as possible. The wintery conditions look set to stay around for a while yet and I was heartened to get in the car to find the temperature at -4 again this morning (and it’s another beautiful day). The slight thaw and refreeze should ensure Scotland and several other mountain areas stay in great condition for some time to come. What a winter. Thanks to the team for a really fun weekend. It was great to spend time with you all and the stickers are in the post!

All Peak Mountaineering’s scheduled winter courses are finished for this year but we can always arrange some private guiding (or a bespoke course for a group of 4 or more) if you feel you are missing out……..you are!

Have fun and stay safe.