NB: This itinerary is a sample of what we could do during the course. This is subject to change due to weather, conditions and group fitness. I will always make sure that you get the most out of your course no matter what the weather and conditions are.

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Day 1 - Journey into the Winter Wilderness

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Meeting Point: Kick off our adventure by joining fellow participants and our expert guides, who will be instrumental in enhancing your winter skills.

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Gear Check: We’ll conduct a thorough gear check, ensuring you have all the necessary equipment for your winter walking journey. During this session, we’ll discuss essential equipment for winter hill walking, including:

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• Clothing: Layering techniques, moisture-wicking fabrics, insulation, and waterproof outer layers to keep you warm and dry.

• Footwear: Choosing the right winter boots with adequate insulation and grip for icy conditions.

• Navigation Tools: Compasses, maps, and GPS devices to aid in safe navigation in winter conditions.

• Safety Equipment: Avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels for emergency situations, along with first aid kits.

• Technical Gear: Crampons and ice axes, which we will practice using, as well as other protective gear needed for steep and icy terrain.

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We'll outline our exciting plans for the days ahead, focusing on the skills you’ll develop throughout the course.

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Exploration: Embark on a breathtaking journey into the winter wilderness. As we venture through stunning landscapes, we'll identify ideal spots to develop and refine your winter skills.

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Skill Development: Throughout the day, we'll concentrate on essential techniques, including:

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• Navigation: Learn vital techniques for navigating in winter conditions, ensuring you can confidently explore the mountains.

• Decision Making: Gain confidence in making safe and effective decisions in challenging winter environments. We’ll discuss risk assessment, situational awareness, and how to respond to changing conditions.

• Avalanche Awareness: Understand the basics of avalanche safety, including how to identify avalanche terrain, recognise signs of instability, and make informed decisions to minimise risk while winter walking.

• Crampon and Axe Use: Practice and perfect your skills with crampons and ice axes, ensuring you feel secure and capable on steep and icy terrain.

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Day 2 - Deep Dive into Winter Skills

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Summit Success: Our adventure continues as we explore higher terrain, applying the winter skills you’ve learned.

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Equipment Mastery: Get hands-on experience with your gear, learning best practices for organisation and use during your winter walking adventures.

Interactive Discussions: Engage in informative discussions about equipment, safety, and technique, enhancing your understanding and confidence as you develop your winter skills. We’ll delve deeper into decision-making processes, focusing on how to evaluate situations and make informed choices in the mountains.

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• Avalanche Awareness: Build on your knowledge from Day 1 with a deeper exploration of avalanche assessment. Learn how to interpret avalanche forecasts, conduct snowpack analysis, and assess the stability of slopes to ensure safe travel during your winter walking adventures.

• Emergency Procedures: Learn essential emergency procedures for winter conditions. This will cover topics such as how to handle injuries in remote areas, basic first aid, emergency communication techniques, and evacuation strategies. You'll also practice how to escape a journey in an emergency, reinforcing your ability to respond effectively under pressure.

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Practical Exercises: Participate in practical exercises designed to simulate real-life scenarios, preparing you for any situation you might encounter in winter conditions. These exercises will reinforce your knowledge and help you gain the experience necessary for safe and enjoyable winter walking.

 

Emphasis will be placed on decision-making skills, avalanche awareness, and emergency procedures, ensuring you can adapt your plans based on real-time assessments of the environment.