{"id":9971,"date":"2013-12-02T09:06:32","date_gmt":"2013-12-02T09:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/?p=9971"},"modified":"2013-12-08T16:36:52","modified_gmt":"2013-12-08T16:36:52","slug":"9971","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/9971\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter hillwalkers reminded of need to learn winter skills"},"content":{"rendered":"

Having the correct skills for Scotland's winter mountains is as important as having the correct equipment, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland have warned. With winter now firmly established, the body representing Scotland’s hillwalkers and climbers is advising would-be hill-goers that it\u2019s not enough just to fork out lots of money for the latest foul weather gear and mountaineering equipment.<\/p>\n

\"Safety<\/a>\u201cIce axes and crampons are an essential part of kit for winter,\u201d said MCofS Safety Adviser Heather Morning. \u201cBut they can be a liability rather than a lifesaver if you don\u2019t know how to use them.
\n\u201cEvery winter brings its toll of accidents, and so many are due to a simple slip while walking on what might be simple ground under summer conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cLearning how to use crampons safely can prevent that slip, but they can also cause a trip if you don\u2019t know how to use them. It\u2019s the same with an ice axe. A real lifesaver if you know how to use it to stop a fall, but a potentially deadly weapon whirling around your body if you don\u2019t know how to prevent that slip turning into a longer fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other skills such as being able to navigate in poor visibility, and avalanche awareness are also essential to winter safety.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople may be experienced hill walkers,\u201d said Heather. \u201cBut there is no hill walking in the Scottish mountains in winter \u2013 it\u2019s mountaineering. And mountaineering demands additional skills as well as a higher level of existing skills and experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

The MCofS runs heavily subsidised winter skills courses based at Glenmore Lodge, near Aviemore. A weekend course runs from 20 to 22 December, while there are four one-day courses running from 4 to 8 January 2014.<\/p>\n

There are also two one-day avalanche awareness courses, based at the Nevis Range ski area north of Fort William, designed for people with winter experience but who want to increase their knowledge of snow and avalanches. There are one or two places left on these courses, which are on 28 and 29 December.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving the right equipment \u2013 ice axe and crampons, head torch, snow goggles, hat and gloves, and the correct clothing \u2013 is always essential,\u201d said Heather. \u201cBut everyone\u2019s heard the expression \u2018All the gear and no idea\u2019. Don\u2019t be that person. Get clued up for winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

See http:\/\/www.mcofs.org.uk\/winter-skills-courses.asp<\/a> and http:\/\/www.mcofs.org.uk\/avalanche-awareness-course.asp<\/a> for all the details.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Having the correct skills for Scotland's winter mountains is as important as having the correct equipment, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland have warned. With winter now firmly established, the body representing Scotland’s hillwalkers and climbers is advising would-be hill-goers that it\u2019s not enough just to fork out lots of money for the latest foul weather gear and mountaineering equipment. \u201cIce axes and crampons are an essential part of kit for winter,\u201d said MCofS Safety Adviser Heather Morning. \u201cBut they can be a liability rather than a lifesaver if you don\u2019t know how to use them. \u201cEvery winter brings its toll…<\/span> <\/p>\n

Read more ›<\/div>\n

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