2-Day Winter Mountain Skills: Essential Ice Axe & Crampon Foundation

A two-day practical course in the Scottish Highlands teaching ice axe, crampon and snow movement skills for summer hillwalkers moving into winter.

Run by AFS Mountaineering, this two-day practical course gives competent summer hillwalkers the core skills to travel safely in winter mountains. Days on the hill cover bootwork in different snowpacks, crampon fitting and footwork, ice axe techniques such as self-belay and step-cutting, avalanche and weather forecast interpretation, winter clothing and rucksack efficiency, and emergency shelters. The course uses a 'less is more' approach with plenty of repetition so techniques become second nature; it is not a climbing course and is not suitable for non-walkers. Instruction is by Fabian, a qualified Winter Mountain Leader with experience in the Highlands since 2004 and Antarctic research work in 2001-2002.