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Course Info

Scottish Winter Courses

Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Assessment

Presenting yourself for a Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor assessment is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, gaining it is a huge achievement.

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BreakdownWhat's included?Kit List
Dates, Prices & Booking
  • Payment plans available

5 Days

Scotland

Instructor Ratio1:2 - 1:1

Location

Scotland

Length

5 Days

Instructor Ratio

1:2 - 1:1

Course Breakdown

Overview

Presenting yourself for a Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor assessment is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, gaining it is a huge achievement. Everyone who’s done it will remember how they felt at the start of the course; anxious, excited, ready. Our team of experienced assessors know this, having been there themselves. We’re here to create the best environment for you to showcase your skills and abilities as a winter mountaineering professional. We want you to feel supported throughout the week and to finish the course feeling you’ve learnt and developed, and ideally with the big tick.

The assessment will be run according to the Mountain Training syllabus and will be divided into a day of personal / guided climbing, a day of mountaineering, and two days of teaching. We recommend all candidates prepare thoroughly and fully understand the course syllabus. If you would like to discuss whether you’re ready to book an assessment, please feel free to contact Mountain Training or PYB directly. We look forward to working with you.

THESE COURSES ARE RESIDENTIAL TO ENSURE THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF QUALITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL CANDIDATES ARE FULLY MAINTAINED. ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING IS PROVIDED FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR COURSE STARTS, AND FINISHES WITH BREAKFAST ON THE MORNING AFTER YOUR COURSE ENDS.

NON- RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS CAN BE NEGOTIATED, PLEASE CONTACT PYB DIRECTLY TO DISCUSS.

The Objectives

To be successful, you’ll demonstrate that you have the skills, judgement and decision making covered in the Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Syllabus.

What to Expect

The program is subject to change according to weather and snow conditions, but courses aim to follow this outline.

Sunday

  • Arrive at Alltshellach from 5pm and settle in, with dinner at 7.30.

Monday

  • Mountaineering day
  • Emphasis on movement on snow, ice and broken ground
  • Use of rope for security
  • Avalanche evaluation

Tuesday

  • Personal / guided climbing day
  • Emphasis on safe competent winter climbing on snow and ice or mixed terrain at Grade 3 or above

Wednesday

  • Winter Instruction
  • Graded climbing with the same student for two days. This should include a progression in teaching

Thursday

  • Winter Instruction
  • Continuation of teaching.
  • Course review and results

Friday

  • Breakfast and farewells.  There is the chance that course review and results can happen on this morning.

Experience Required

Prior to booking an assessment candidates must have attended a Winter and Mountaineering Instructor training course and gained the following experience as a minimum;

  • 10 days in the mountains managing parties in winter conditions
  • 5 days’ climbing experience at Grade III
  • A valid first aid certificate of at least 2 days / 16 hours minimum contact time
  • Having more experience, and in particular, recent experience will stand candidates in the best stead to be successful.

How Should I Prepare?

Prior to booking an assessment candidates must have attended a Winter and Mountaineering Instructor training course and gained the following experience as a minimum;

  • 10 days in the mountains managing parties in winter conditions
  • 5 days’ climbing experience at Grade III
  • A valid first aid certificate of at least 2 days / 16 hours minimum contact time

Having more experience, and in particular, recent experience will stand candidates in the best stead to be successful.

What's Included? Res vs Non-Res

Res

Non-Res

Instruction & Coaching

Expert, trained & qualified instructors

In-depth local knowledge

200+ years of combined team experience

PYB coaching ethos & tailored delivery

Fully insured for all activities

 Our instructor team shares venue insights, local tips, and tailors your experience based on individual and group needs.

Accomodation

Shared En Suite

Shared with your course attendees

Single En Suite Upgrade

Food

Fully Catered

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Packed Lunch

Afternoon Tea & Cake

Tea, Coffee and Cakes on arrival back at PYB

Two Course Evening Meal

Expedition / Camp Food

Facilities

Kit Hire & Course Equipment

Climbing Wall Access

Subject to availability, T&C’s apply

Laundry

Drying room

Evening lectures

Some at additional cost if lectures are charged

On-site physio

By appointment

Lake access

Free On-Site Parking

Free Wi-Fi

24hr front desk

Bar and restaurant access

In-Course Transport

Scheduled courses only*

Rolling Pool

T&C’s apply

EV Charger

* In-Course Transport is included for all scheduled courses. For Private Instruction, in-course transport arrangements need to be booked in addition (subject to availability at an additional cost).

Further Information

General CoursesScottish Winter CoursesSummer Camps

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, feel free to contact us — we’ll be happy to talk you through it.

Kit List

We offer extensive kit lists to help you prepare for your course, including our recommendations for the best in the business. We also have a wide range of equipment available for hire on-site at no extra cost.

View Kit List →

Dates, Prices and Booking

All dates and prices can be found on our booking platform.

Book 10-14 March 2025

GIFT CARDS FROM £25

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About Us

Managed by The Mountain Training Trust on behalf of Sport England


National Outdoor Centre
Capel Curig, Conwy
LL24 0ET
North Wales

info@pyb.co.uk+44 (0) 1690 720 214
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