Winter Mountain Leader Assessment
  • Scotland
  • 5 Days
  • 4 People to 1 instructor

Winter Mountain Leader Assessment

  • Hike
  • Mountain Training Award
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Overview

Take on your Winter Mountain Leader assessment at Plas y Brenin. You're ready to lead groups of hill walkers in winter conditions, and demonstrate all you have learned about safely leading and providing basic skills instruction to parties on mountain walks within the UK. You'll need to show that you've built on the skills learnt through the Mountain Leader scheme to prepare you for the complexities associated with taking people out walking in winter conditions in the UK. This non-residential course will be delivered from our scenic winter base in Scotland, the Alltshellach hotel in North Ballachulish.

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Can I book privately?

Yes. If you would like to book a private course then give us a call to discuss your needs.

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The Objectives

You'll achieve the qualification by showing development of the skills learnt through the Mountain Leader scheme to prepare you for the complexities associated with taking people out walking in winter conditions in the UK.

Itinerary

* Please note: Itinerary is subject to weather and availability.

The 5 days are generally split into the following areas

Snowcraft

Movement on neve slopes (30-40°) with axe only

Use of axe for self-arrest

Cramponing

Introduction and teaching of ice axe and crampons

Assessment of weather conditions and avalanche potential

Navigation

Grade I terrain

Personal performance on Grade 1 ground

Appropriate emergency ropework techniques in ascent and descent

Three day, two night winter mountain expedition

Ice craft and security on steep ground (especially in descent)

Movement up, down and across an ice step

Prepare the ground and safeguard your party

Descent of a short section of difficult winter terrain e.g. iced up rocks, narrow snow or rock ridge, cornice or short steep scarp slope

Equipment, ropes, axes, slings and krabs only

Overnight stay in a snowhole - bivouac skills

Navigation including poor visibility

Route finding

Management of a party in winter

Experience Required

Prior to assessment, you must;hold the Mountain Leader qualification and have attended a Winter Mountain Leader training course. have attended or have gained exemption from a training course;have completed an absolute minimum of 40 QMDs under winter conditions, with at least 20 gained in Scotland, distributed over a period of at least three winter seasons (75% of the minimum requirements must be UK based and at least 50% gained in Scotland);have completed at least 10 x Grade 1 or above named UK winter climbs or equivalent mountaineering routes;hold a first aid certificate recognised as appropriate for the scheme.identify your best 40 Winter QMDs in your logbooks.

Why Choose Plas y Brenin?

Our instructors are some of the UK’s most experienced. We train other instructors and help to write the national syllabuses for NGB qualifications in mountaineering, paddlesports, cycling and climbing. Our goal is to teach you skills to last a lifetime, and at Plas y Brenin you know you are getting training from the best.

If your course is based at Plas y Brenin, the residential price includes accommodation for the night before, and the duration of your time here. If you’re staying with us, we also provide delicious meals to keep you going as you learn, meaning you can concentrate on enjoying yourself.

When it comes to equipment, at Plas y Brenin we have a wide range of top-quality kit for you to use, all included in your course fee. This means if you’re just starting out, there’s no need to rush out and buy a load of expensive gear, and if you’re already pretty well kitted-out, it’s a great chance to try something new.

This is a non-residential course, so please organise your own food and accommodation for the duration of the course. Your equipment hire and in-course transport is included. Support is on hand from our friendly, and exceptionally well qualified staff, to help develop your understanding and personal skills. They also help you to formulate an appropriate action plan for your further development. The address of Plas y Brenin in Scotland is HF Holidays Alltshellach, Onich, Fort William, Inverness-Shire PH33 6SA.

What do I need to bring?
Equipment List
How should I prepare?
Preparation guide
What do I need to bring?
It is expected at this level that the candidate will have a good understanding of the clothing and equipment required. All ropes used will be supplied by us.
How should I prepare?

You'll be spending an arduous and demanding five days in the mountains for this assessment, so prepare accordingly. Candidates will be expected to complete the home research paper.

This will test all areas of the syllabus but particularly

  • Winter weather
  • Snow structure and avalanche risks
  • Physiological hazards

Available Course Dates

Start the booking process by selecting a course date, then adjust your details to suit your requirements.

Sorry, we don’t have any spaces available right now.

Please get in touch for more information about future availability.

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This course will help you become

ready to lead groups in the UK mountains in winter conditions. If you hold the Mountaineering Instructor Award you may want to progress on to Mountaineering Instructor Certificate Training

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