Learning lead winter climbing
Learning lead winter climbing
“get on the sharp end and become self-sufficient winter lead climbers“
Learning lead winter climbing
Why should I do a Learning to lead winter climbing course with Climb365?
Our learning to lead winter climbing course is a 5-day winter course designed to give you all the skills you need to feel confident to start winter climbing on your own.
We begin the learning to lead winter climbing course by taking you winter climbing. We give you a day to get back into winter climbing, usually, we try and climb a route harder than you will be leading and coach your movement.
We use this to allow you to relax into winter climbing and teach you all the rope work and routine of winter climbing in an environment where you are not worried about leading. We also cover some basic winter skills instruction so that you are aware of the hazards and feel confident getting to the bottom of climbs.
Secondly, on the learning to lead course, you will lead easy winter gullies and routes where you can learn about climbing safely without worrying about falling off.
The learning to lead course is very flexible. You can move on to climb harder routes if you wish or continue to climb easier routes where you feel comfortable.
While you are learning to lead we will be climbing alongside you to discuss gear placement and the process of climbing.
Course programme
The night before: We’ll meet up with you and all the other learning to lead climb course participants and run through the kit that you have, issue hired kit and discuss what you need to carry for each day.
Learning to lead winter day 1:
Guided winter climbing. Skills learnt include techniques for winter climbing, belaying, tying into anchors, rope management, removing protection and climbing calls. The day is designed to make you feel comfortable with winter climbing.
Learning to lead winter day 2:
Learning to lead. You will have a go at leading, if you feel confident, on a grade 2 gully or ridge. The climbing is easy and we can spend time discussing placing protection, managing the rope and belay stance management.
Learning to lead winter day 3:
Consolidation of the skills learnt the day before and an introduction of other climbing skills i.e. using crampons not only on steep snow but hard ice and on rock, turf etc; using the axe in ice, cracks and on rock or turf. We aim to climb mixed buttress routes as well as more pure ice…
Learning to lead winter day 4:
Development of route finding and guidebooks; the placement and removal of pegs as protection.
Learning to lead winter day 5:
Introduction of some specific ice climbing skills including placing and removing ice screws, ice belays and techniques for ice climbing.
Throughout the learning to lead winter week, we will discuss the avalanche and weather forecast and make decision about the routes to climb based on this. We also look at the hazards of getting to the bottom of winter routes safely.
The future plans:
We offer recommendations for your improvement and route suggestions to allow you to get the most out of your time in the Scottish mountains.
The order of the learning to lead winter days 3-5 may change as a result of weather and avalanche forecasts.
The learning to lead course is run on a maximum 1 instructor to 2 client ratio.
Where will the course run?
All our courses are run in the West Highlands including areas such as Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor, Glencoe, Creag Meagaidh.
Or based in the Cairngorms National Park.
As you are the one booking you can choose where your course will be and we can make suggestions where would be best. If you have routes that you really want to climb we will do our best to make your aspirations come true.
Please follow this link to suggestions for accommodation.
Kit we provide.
Included in the price we provide :
helmets, harnesses, climbing hard wear such as lead rack, ice screws, karabiners, etc
If you have your own kit that’s great and of course you will prefer to use them but if you are flying or traveling by train to Scotland and space is a premium then feel free to use ours.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring clothing suitable for the demands of a Scottish winter, here is a Winter kit list for you to download and check through.
We often give advice to those buying new kit for the course. We know what works through experience and can advise you on the best kit for you prior to the course.
Dates
In the past, we have offered set course dates but have generally found that clients prefer dates that suit their diary.
Responding to this, we now offer this course on any 5 consecutive days to suit both your and our availability.
This course is normally run over 5 days, we can, however, squeeze the content into 3 days if you don’t have 5 days available.
If you have the choice weekdays are quieter in the hills but many clients have busy lives and weekends suit.
All our courses are run in the West Highlands including areas such as Ben Nevis, Aonach Mor, Glencoe, Creag Meagaidh.
Or based in the Cairngorms National Park.
As you are the one booking you can choose where your course will be and we can make suggestions where would be best. If you have routes that you really want to climb we will do our best to make your aspirations come true.
Please follow this link to suggestions for accommodation.
Scottish winter prices
£275 for 1:1
£300 for 1:2
£325 for 1:3
£350 for 1:4
We use world pay to make things safe and as easy as possible for you.
All our private bespoke courses are bookable through out Mountain guide page on this link below.
From: £250.00Read more
Once you have booked online, you will receive a confirmation email for your booking with all the arrangements for your activity.
If you would like to email or chat please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Scottish winter prices
£275 for 1:1
£300 for 1:2
£325 for 1:3
£350 for 1:4
