Winter Mountain Leader Training

Overview

Over a week, we’ll cover the major syllabus areas set out by Mountain Training Scotland to look after people in the winter environment as practically as possible. Expect six big days on the hill, including an overnight expedition, and finish the course with more confidence in your abilities as a winter mountaineer.

We’re perfectly placed to make the most of conditions and really explore the scope of the scheme with the broad variety of mountain terrain on our doorstep, including Glen Coe, the Mamores, the Grey Corries and Ben Nevis. Delivering WML training is a real privilege for our passionate staff team. We can’t wait to share all the tips and tricks we’ve learned from years of combined experience working in the winter mountains.

These courses are all fully residential to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety for all candidates are always maintained. Accommodation and catering are provided from the night before your course starts and finishes with breakfast on the morning after your course ends.

Non-residential options can be considered; please get in touch with PYB directly to discuss.

The Objectives

You’ll gain the practical skills and techniques required when leading and supervising groups in British winter conditions, concentrating on the areas that are difficult to learn on your own.

What to Expect

Preparation:

• We encourage all participants to read the syllabus, which can be found on the MTS website.
• The programme is subject to change according to weather and snow conditions, but courses aim to follow this broad outline.

Monday:

• Introduction to the course and scheme
• Personal equipment and movement skills
• Teaching and coaching crampon and ice axe skills

Tuesday:

• Leadership and decision making
• Steep ground management; snow slopes and ridges
• Demonstration of practical ropework

Wednesday:

• Teaching and coaching of self-arrest
• Practical ropework

Thursday:

• Start of expedition
• Winter navigation strategies
• Emergency shelters
• Overnight experience as appropriate to conditions (possible night in a snow hole)

Friday:

• Continuation of expedition and associated skills

Saturday:

• Consolidation / revisiting of specific skills
• Course review and action planning

Sunday:

• Breakfast and farewells

Experience Required

To book this course you’ll need to hold a Mountain Leader qualification, register with Mountain Training Scotland, and have submitted a log book which has subsequently been approved by MTS, evidencing a minimum of 20 Winter Quality Mountain Days. Please book a place only once these criteria have been fulfilled. Please also ensure your DLOG (digital logbook) is fully up to date and that you arrive feeling fit and ready for six full mountain days.

How Should I Prepare?

The course is six full mountain days which require a good level of fitness. Please ensure you are fit and able to cope with the long mountain days.

Download course handbook here

Note: Our instructors will assess any safety equipment you bring with you. If they consider it to be below the required standard, you will be asked to use equipment provided free of charge by Plas y Brenin.