Winter Lead Climbing

Our five-day winter lead climbing course is designed to help people take the step to become an independent winter climber; we will give you the skills and techniques to become more confident for winter ascents. We focus on route choice, efficient movement & technique, safe and appropriate anchor selection, rope and stance management, avalanche avoidance; while tackling some classics easier climbs along the way. Some previous winter climbing experience is essential, with some trad rock lead climbing experience being a bonus for this course.
Any technical equipment, crampons, ice axes, harness & helmet is included in the price
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Effectively planning your days in the mountains, using weather and avalanche forecasts
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Recap of core winter skills, such as efficient use of crampons and ice on approach to climbs
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Basic ropework, belaying leader & second, how to attach to multi-point anchors with the rope
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Retreating from multi-pitch climbs demonstrating the use of a variety of anchors
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Coaching on technique and movement for Ice/Mixed terrain
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Avalanche awareness/avoidance and its implications for safe route choice
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Use of technical Ice axes and crampons, inc the importance of care and maintenance

Day 1

We will meet and chat through people's aims for the next few days; we will head out to our first climb. Generally we focus on solid core fundamentals of movement, footwork. During the climb we look at stance management, rope work while keeping this efficient.

Day 2

Today we will tackle another climb while looking at different anchor setups, stance management sand how to retreat if need be.

Day 3

We can step it up a little today and try Sidewinder or Ewen Buttress in Coriean Lochain.

Day 4

If things are progressing well we will head into Corie an t-Sneachda today we can try the classic Hidden Chimney.

Day 5

If the past 4 days have been progressing nicely then we can try finish on Deep cut chimney on the last day to top the 5 days off!
 
Inclusions
What's Included
🚆 Transportation - On-course transport
🧰 Equipment - Equipment supplied by SRW > Crampons > Ice axes > Harness > Helmet > Ropes > Any climbing hardware i.e. slings, carabiners, wires etc > Shovels > Group shelter > First Aid kit > Photos from your course​
📋 Other - Highly experienced & qualified guide
 
What you'll need
🧤 Warm Clothing - B2-B3 style boots, Winter walking socks
☂️ Waterproofs - Quality waterproofs i.e. Gore-tex or similar, Hat, waterproof gloves plus spares x 2 minimum
🍴 Food - Lunch
🥤 Drink - Warm drink & Rucksack 30-40ltr
📋 Other - 'Belay' type jacket

Wicking base layers, top & bottoms Goggles, double clear lens recommended Head torch, plus spare batteries Balaclava and neck gaiter