This long weekend is an exciting opportunity to support and encourage our female members as they make the transition from summer trekking to winter mountaineering. While women have historically been under-represented on our winter meets, this course aims to bridge that gap. By creating a dedicated, supportive environment, we will provide more female members with the skills and confidence to get out and adventure in the winter mountains.
DETAILS
The meet will run from the evening of Friday, 22 January, to the evening of Tuesday, January 26th, with the Winter Skills course running on the Saturday and Sunday (23-24 Jan).
The meet will comprise of 6 spaces for students to participate in a 2-day introduction to Winter Walking Skills.
There will be an additional 4 spaces for intermediate to advanced women mountaineers who would like to join the meet to walk and/or climb separate to the course, while encouraging the beginner mountaineers.
All attendees will benefit from collaborative support and encouragement, as well as an evening talk about avalanche awareness and the chance to share a communal evening meal.
IS IT FOR ME?
The 2-day winter skills course on this meet is for summer hill walkers or beginners looking to build their confidence in winter under the guidance of a qualified Winter Mountain Leader.
After the course concludes, there will be optional time to venture into the hills with other meet participants, without instruction, to practice what you learned.
The 4 spaces for intermediate to advanced female mountaineers are for any women whose winter skills are already “in development” or “experienced.” You will need to be self-sufficient and capable of venturing out without an instructor. During the last 2 days,you are welcome to mix in with those stretching their winter wings, to help support their learning and development.
Please reach out to the meet steward if you have any concerns or questions.
COURSE CONTENT
During the course, the following subjects covered will include (but are not limited to):
- Selection and packing of winter equipment and clothes
- Planning and preparing for a Winter day, including analyzing weather and avalanche forecasts
- Movement on snow and ice, using both the boot as a tool and crampons
- Use of an ice axe
- An introduction into winter navigation
LOGISTICS
This meet will take place in the Cairngorms, Scotland. Accommodation is at the Aviemore Youth Hostel. Ideally, participants in the Winter Skills course will arrive by 6pm on Friday evening, leaving Tuesday afternoon (or earlier if desired).
We have two rooms booked for our exclusive use. One room is for the 6 course participants. And one room is for the 4 independents.
Aviemore is well-served with a train station, receiving trains direct from London.
Inverness airport is less than an hour away with good options for car hire.
Or, you can drive from London.
The meet steward will help you coordinate transportation, if needed.
EQUIPMENT
A kit list will be supplied when you sign up, along with more help and details.
Essential winter equipment:
Winter boots with stiff soles that support crampon attachment
Crampons
Ice Axe
We plan to borrow and supply as much equipment as needed, and/or can help you with rentals.
COST
The cost for four nights will be £104 per person (based on full occupancy of 10 people).
The Winter Mountain Leader is a freelance woman very keen to support this initiative, and is therefore providing us with a discounted (Summer) rate of £500 total for the two days of instruction, which include her expenses.
Based on this, course fees will be £83.88 per person (based on full occupancy of 6 people).
This brings total cost (accommodation + course if applicable) to:
£190 per person for course participants
£105.20 per person for independent (non-course) participants
(including DD/Paypal transaction fees.)
PRE-MEET
We will meet in London prior to the trip for a pre-meet social and chance to address any questions and concerns, look at kit, and generally get psyched for the trip!
A Whatsapp group for the meet will be added to the LMC Whatsapp Community so that participants can add themselves. A link to it cannot be added here for data security reasons.
CANCELLATION
Travel insurance is recommended in case of weather or transport disruptions.
We can't offer refunds in the event of cancellation. But if you need to cancel and someone takes your place they can reimburse you directly.
Payment Required!
One of the following payments is required for this meet at the time of booking.
Course fees + accommodation £190.00