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.
See Course Dates & PricesYes. If you would like to book a private course then give us a call to discuss your needs.
Get in touchYou'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.
Movement on neve slopes (30-40°) with axe only
Use of axe for self-arrest
Introduction and teaching of ice axe and crampons
Assessment of weather conditions and avalanche potential
Grade I terrain
Personal performance on Grade 1 ground
Appropriate emergency ropework techniques in ascent and descent
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
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.
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
Start the booking process by selecting a course date, then adjust your details to suit your requirements.
Please get in touch for more information about future availability.