This course is for people who have ski toured and are looking to become more independent in the mountains on skis. The two days cover navigation skills and avalanche avoidance. The content is delivered whilst on the move and there will be ample opportunity for practise and feedback.

Day 1 - The first day will focus on the skills needed to not only keep you safe but also help you find the best terrain for ascending and descending on skis. Topics covered will include route planning, using weather forecasts and historic information, hazard avoidance (including cliffs, cornices and avalanche terrain) and using a map and compass as well as digital navigation tools. You will also be given the opportunity to take part in an avalanche search and rescue scenario. 

Day 2 - The second day is a chance to put everything into practice whilst on a journey that the group has decided upon collectively after reading forecasts and from their knowledge of the previous day’s snow conditions. You will get the chance to lead sections with input and support from the instructor. Verbal feedback will be given toward the end of the day regarding how you can develop further. 

OVERVIEW

1:6 ratio

£190

2024 Dates:

• Sat 10th & Sun 11th February 2024 - Cairngorm mountain

• Sat 17th & Sun 18th February 2024 - Cairngorm mountain

• Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd March 2024 - Cairngorm mountain

* indicates course full - please click here to add yourself to a list to be made aware of changes to availability

PRE-REQUISITES

You will need to be confident getting down a black run and have a good level of fitness. It is likley we will ascend around 1000vertical metres per day so imagine climbing a munro but with a bit more weight on your feet). It is hoped that the first ascent should not take more than two hours, although there will likely be at least two climbs in the day.

Both the ascent and descent will normally be less than 30 degrees, but the snow conditions may be variable.

You should be happy to ski in unpredictable and changeable snow, although tactics to help tackle this will be covered in the course.

Children aged 15-18 can attend if their parent attends with them

If you have had a long break from skiing please make sure you visit your local dry slope or try to get a day of uplift skiing before attending.

You should have completed approx 5 ski tours with people in groups.