learning to lead in winter
Learning to lead climb in winter is a 5 day 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 course by guiding you up winter routes that
are harder than you'll be leading.
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 along side you to discuss
gear placement and the process of climbing.
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Course programme
The night before: We'll meet up with 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 1 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: Learning to lead. Consolidation of the skills learnt the day before and 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.
Learning to lead winter day 4: Learning to lead. Consolidation of the skills learnt in the previous days and introduction of route finding and guide books; the placement and removal of pegs as protection.
We aim to climb mixed buttress routes.
Learning to lead winter day 5: Learning to lead. 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: 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.
Kit list:
Kit: Climb365 provides helmets, harnesses, ropes and lead rack. We hire
climbing axes, boots and crampons. Please see dates and prices section.
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Course dates & prices
Learning to lead in winter course 2008
Course duration: 4 days
Course Ratio: 1:2
Non residential course cost : £480
Total 4 star residential course cost : £670 to £680
- Saturdat 2nd to Tuesday 5th Feb
- Tuesday 4th to Friday 7th March
To read more about our accommodation and how to get to Aviemore click
Winter accommodation
Winter kit hire
prices per day
Boots £10
Crampons £5
Walking Axe £5
Climbing axe & hammer £12 a pair
Helmets and harnesses are supplied free of charge.
All our courses can be booked by individuals, and are offered at set prices on set dates. If you want to come on a date that is not offered as a course we will do our best to help. Please see our private guiding section of the website.
Photos
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Contact details
Climb365,
5 Brow Close,
Windermere,
Cumbria,
LA23 2HA.
Tel: 015394 48046
Mobile: 07880 742799 ( Stuart ), 07968 706498 ( Anna )
email: carter@climb365.net