Welsh Winter Mountaineering

Overview

If you’re a summer hillwalker and you want to extend your skills to all four seasons and access these moments, Welsh Winter Mountaineering is the course for you. On your five days with us you’ll make the most of the unpredictable weather experienced during the winter months and learn alongside our friendly, highly experienced instructors.

You’ll develop your skills in winter navigation, ropework for travel over rock, snow and ice, and cover emergency bivouacking skills as well as learning the use and choice of ice axe and crampons.

Kit: Don’t worry about having all the kit, as whilst you’ll need to bring your own personal essentials (like your toothbrush), you can arrange to hire more technical, specialist kit like an ice axe, crampons, winter mountaineering boots and a helmet, from the Plas y Brenin equipment store.

Kit hire is included in the price shown, subject to availability, and is sourced from leading manufacturers and checked to the latest safety requirements. You’ll find a comprehensive equipment list below.

Included in the price: Five nights’ accommodation on a bed, breakfast and evening meal* basis, plus packed lunches on course days. Expert instruction, kit hire, in-course transport, use of the on-site facilities and the all-important Wi-Fi password.

Provision of accommodation begins on the night prior to the start of the course and is not included on the final evening. *Dinner is not provided on the evening prior to the start of the course, nor on the final day of your course. Subject to availability and at an additional cost, extra meals and accommodation can be provide.

We are hugely experienced in preparing delicious meals for a wide range of requirements. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Age restrictions: The minimum participation age for this course is 14 years. Details about the required consents, permissions and the legal responsibilities of parent/guardian(s) can be found here https://www.pyb.co.uk/terms-conditions/

The Objectives

You’ll have 5 fantastic days of practical learning out in Snowdonia National Park.

• You’ll become confident enough to extend your walking and scrambling skills into a year-round pursuit.
• You’ll learn all the safety skills and considerations you need to feel confident mountaineering in winter.

What to Expect

You should have done some summer hillwalking, and be keen to get stuck into some wintery walks.

Experience Required

You must be at least 18 years old to join this course at Plas y Brenin (or 14 if accompanied by a parent)

How Should I Prepare?

You don’t need to be a superhero to take on this course, you’ll just need to be a fit summer hill walker. You’ll find it a bonus if you have already done some scrambling.

• Use the equipment list and details about our kit hire service, to decide what you’ll need to bring and what you’ll need to hire.
• If you don’t already have them, purchase personal items like sun block, lip salve to provide protection from UV radiation and the wind.
• Decide how you want to protect and make waterproof items like your camera and mobile phone.
• Check and pack basic clothing requirements which you’ll be comfortable to walk, stretch and climb in. Remember layers for warmth.
• If you have your own winter boots, make sure they are worn in and comfortable