winter mountain skills
lake district (1 day)
For hill walkers progressing into winter hiking; learn the basics of winter walking & navigation. Our focus is winter preparation; ice axe and crampons will be used and taught only if required.
Scotland has more guaranteed winter conditions compared to the Lake District, we recommend booking a Scottish trip for more reliable snow and ice. This course will be run in the right conditions but if we not do get the desired snow and ice, the course will run as a mountain skills course.
1 DAY COURSE
PRICES:£100pp
Itinerary PDF
OVERVIEW
This is a mountain skills course based in the winter season, allowing us to access the high mountains in all weather conditions. We are hoping to deliver the courses in snow and ice but this is no longer a guarantee in the Lake District.
Therefore the ffocus of this course is on mountain preparedness; what kit is needed, how to pack and remain safe in the rain, wind, snow and ice that can be encountered on a winter day.
If the desired conditions prevail, we will be looking to teach ice axe and crampon techniques appropriate to your day so you can safely use this equipment when the time comes.
We like to use the Helvellyn area and access terrain such as Striding Edge, Swirral Edge and the Red Tarn headwall where we can deliver a comprehensive programme looking at boot work, crampon techniques, ice axe arrest and snow conditions.
We hope to educate navigation techniques and build an holistic course towards heading out in any conditions you may find on the hill.
COURSE OUTLINE
Gear and Equipment
Essential winter clothing, footwear, and equipment for cold environments.
Proper fitting of crampons, use of ice axes, and other winter-specific gear if appropriate to conditions
Navigation Essentials
Map reading and compass skills for effective navigation in poor weather
Understanding snow-covered terrain and its effect on navigation (if appropriate)
Route Planning and Avalanche Awareness
Identifying potential avalanche terrain and safe route selection.
Introduction to basic avalanche awareness and safety protocols.
Snow and Ice Techniques
Safe movement on snow-covered slopes, including ascending and descending.
Use of crampons, ice axes, and other winter-specific equipment.
(all conditions dependent)
Emergencies on the hill
Techniques for insulating and staying warm in a winter environment.
Emergency Procedures and group shelters
How to call Mountain Rescues
BY THE END OF THE COURSE, YOU CAN EXPECT TO
Be able to look after yourself in poor weather,
Understand your kit and its limitations in the winter environment,
Be more confident in ice axe and crampon techniques (snow dependent),
Be a more confident navigator,
Be in a strong position to head out whatever the weather
YOU WILL NEED
You will need to wear suitable clothing for winter mountaineering, including a full set of waterproofs, warm layers, hat & gloves, ski goggles and winter mountaineering boots.
These boots should be rigid and rated to B1/B2 standard (we can advise during the booking stage).
Boots can be hired from LDM, subject to sizes and availability of our stocks.
We can provide crampons, ice axe, helmets and other technical equipment.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Expert Instructors:
Our course is led by experienced instructors with a deep understanding of the Lake District winter environment. They are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction and ensuring each participant gains a solid foundation of skills.
Practical Application:
We believe in hands-on learning. Our course includes extensive practical exercises, allowing participants to immediately apply what they've learned in real-world situations.
Small Group Sizes:
We maintain small class sizes to ensure focussed attention and ample opportunity for questions, discussions, and where possible one-on-one guidance.
Positive Learning Environment:
We foster a supportive and encouraging learning environment where participants can feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and building confidence in their abilities.
Quality Equipment for Hire:
We can provide B2 boots for a small fee, as well as ice axes, crampons and helmets. All of these are high quality and selected from premium outdoor brands, making sure you have a safe course with the best kit.
Course Ratios
1:6 Ratio - 6 people per 1 instructor
Our instructors can teach up to 6 people on this course.
This course is open to the public and has 6 spaces per course.
Minimum 2 people to run
We can provide additional instructors so if courses are full then please still enquire.
Pre-Requisites
18+
Experience of hill walking in summer conditions.
You will need to be fit enough to be able to walk in the snow carrying a rucksack for the day.
Please contact us to discuss regarding any queries
Equipment
All technical equipment can be provided & hired from LDM.
Crampons & axes can be hired for the course (£10 per day to use)
You will need to wear suitable outdoor clothing and have appropriate mountain footwear
(B1/B2 boots - these are rigid to take crampons)
We have a selection of boots to hire subject to sizes and availability
Boot hire is £10 per pair, per day
Venue
Our venues are carefully selected and tailored to get the most out of the programme.
The course is based in Glenridding, and will use the Helvellyn area.
This course is non residential
Winter course conditions: It may be necessary to change the outline of the courses to offer general mountaineering/mountain skills programmes.
Hire our Lake District Mountaineering instructors for private and tailored programmes.
Suited to your goals & ambitions to make the most of YOUR time in the mountains.
Day rates:
1:1 £220
1:2 £250
1:3 £300
1:4 £350
1:6 £400
CONTACT
We look forward to hearing from you and working towards your mountaineering ambitions and helping to achieve your goals.
Phone or WhatsApp:
07458353048
If calls are missed we will respond when possible, please leave a voicemail or text message where possible.
Thank you