Winter Climber

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.

 

Day 1 - Gully Climbing, Avalanche Awareness & Summit Navigation

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We’ll kick off our course with a focus on gully climbing, starting with assessing snow stability and avalanche risks as we approach the climb—an essential part of safe winter climbing. You’ll learn to navigate classic gully routes, practising techniques for climbing efficiently in snow and ice conditions.

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Throughout the day, you’ll refine your skills in placing and removing protection, building secure belays, and moving confidently through steeper sections with your team. We’ll also cover strategies for climbing effectively in winter conditions, minimising exertion on long climbs. To round off the day, we’ll focus on summit navigation and safety techniques for whiteout conditions, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any visibility challenges you might encounter in the mountains.

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By the end of Day 1, you’ll be comfortable with gully environments and better equipped to manage risks in alpine settings, setting a strong foundation for your winter climbing journey.

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Day 2 - Introduction to Mixed Climbing Skills and Techniques

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On Day 2, we’ll introduce you to essential mixed climbing skills, combining snow, ice, and rock techniques for more versatile and challenging routes. You’ll begin by learning how to assess mixed terrain conditions, making informed decisions on route selection based on safety and difficulty. We’ll work on mastering footwork with crampons on icy and rocky surfaces, ensuring your movements are precise and secure.

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Throughout the day, you’ll practise ice axe placements on varied terrain, alternating between ice and rock to build confidence in your transitions. We’ll focus on rope management techniques, crucial for protecting yourself and your team on exposed, mixed routes. This will include belaying on rock and ice, building anchors, and managing ropes on steeper, technical sections.

The day will conclude with route-finding skills, where you'll learn how to read complex terrain and make safe, efficient progress toward a designated high point, further enhancing your understanding of mixed climbing challenges.

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By the end of Day 2, you’ll have a solid foundation in mixed climbing and feel prepared to tackle more complex, multi-terrain winter climbs.

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Day 3 - Ice Climbing Techniques, Descent Strategies, and Protection Systems

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Day three focuses on mastering ice climbing techniques. We’ll dive into anchor building on ice, learning how to place and remove ice screws for protection and practising proper tool placements with ice axes. You’ll also focus on using crampons effectively on steep, icy surfaces, ensuring efficient movement across challenging terrain.

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In addition to climbing skills, we’ll cover essential descent techniques for winter conditions. You’ll learn how to safely down-climb and abseil on icy terrain, practising effective methods for securing yourself and your team during descents. This includes the use of appropriate knots and anchors for controlled descents.

Throughout the day, we’ll also cover essential rope management systems for ice climbs, teaching you how to protect yourself and your team in icy environments. We’ll practise reading ice conditions to understand safety and optimal placements, a vital skill for all winter climbing scenarios.

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By the end of the day, you’ll have sharpened your technical skills and gained confidence moving on steeper, ice-covered routes, as well as mastering safe descent techniques essential for any winter climb.

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Day 4 - Putting It All Together: Challenging Climb

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On our final day, we’ll combine all the skills you’ve developed throughout the course to tackle a challenging climb that incorporates elements of gully, ice, and mixed climbing. This day is designed to test your abilities and reinforce your learning as you apply everything you’ve practised in a real-world setting.

As we approach the climb, you’ll assess the terrain, weather conditions, and snow stability, utilising your knowledge from previous days. You’ll lead or support your team in managing ropes, building anchors, and placing protection as you ascend, ensuring safety and efficiency at every step.

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Throughout the climb, you’ll also practice decision-making skills, learning how to adapt to changing conditions and challenges. Our focus will be on teamwork, communication, and applying the techniques you've learned to navigate the varied terrain safely.

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced the thrill of winter climbing while successfully bringing together all the skills you've gained throughout the course. You’ll leave with increased confidence in your abilities and the knowledge necessary for future winter climbs.

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If you have any questions about this course, just get in touch!