With more snow forecast for this weekend we asked Heather Morning, Mountain Safey Officer for the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) to impart some of her wisdowm on venturing out in winter conditions.
Heather, who as well as working for the MCofS, is a keen climber and walker and member of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, said: “Some folk would say there is no such thing as ‘winter hill walking’; only ‘winter mountaineering’. I think this is a good basis to start from; the hills in winter definitely hold challenges both technically and physically that just don’t exist in summer conditions. Shorter daylight hours, high winds, cold temperatures, snow, ice, avalanche risk and poor visibility all add up to ensure a simple hill walk could turn into something much more serious. To stay safe and enjoy the hills in winter, you definitely need to ‘invest’ both in equipment and expertise to rise to these additional challenges.
“Here are some tips and advice before heading out for your first winter experience:
Kit
“Check out additional recommended equipment for winter use (this is in addition to your normal summer hill walking kit). This should include investing in a pair of fully rigid walking boots. Rigid boots are essential, good, sound; foot work provides the cornerstone of safe travel on a snow covered mountain. You will need to be able to ‘kick steps’ in the snow and have a boot compatible to holding a crampon. Bendy summer boots will do neither of these essential tasks. Rigid soled boots are often not as comfortable as a softer, bendy boot but with regular use the user will become familiar with them.
“A pair of crampons, compatible with your boots and knowing how and when to use them is vital. Outdoor retailers should be able to give you the advice you need for which type of boot/crampon to purchase for your needs. There is a generic boot and crampon rating system in place (B1,2,3 & C1,2,3) If your retailer isn’t familiar with this – head to another shop!
“Carrying an ice axe is another essential piece of kit for safe enjoyment of the winter hills. There are many types of ice axe to choose from which range in design, length and weight. Again your outdoor retailer should be able to provide you with professional advice as to what is appropriate for you. Remember, an ice axe is of no use attached to the back of your rucksack if you take a slip on steep ground. The ice axe should be in your hand, well before you think you may need it.
Skills
“Develop the technical skills you need to use this extra equipment safely. Don’t fall into the trap of being the one described as ‘all the gear and no idea!’ You may choose to do this by going out with someone more experienced than yourself and developing skills on less serious terrain. Or you may wish to treat yourself to a winter skills course delivered by a professional instructor.
“The MCofS run a variety of winter skills courses aimed at folk who wish to venture into the winter hills for the first time. Training includes essentials such as good foot work, use of an ice axe and crampons, avalanche avoidance, navigation and planning appropriate hill days. The courses are great value for money, details can be found at the MCofS website.”