International Mountain Leader Training Winter
  • Alpine
  • 5 Days
  • 6 People to 1 instructor

International Mountain Leader Training Winter

  • Hike
  • Mountain Training Award
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Overview

You'll be equipped for more than just 'coping with winter' as you hone the skills you need to look after your group on snow - whatever the season. Our highly qualified experienced instructors will develop your knowledge of all aspects of the winter environment through both practical application on the mountains and some short technical lectures. As always, the skills of navigating will form an integral part of each day's activities.

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The Objectives

The International Mountain Leader scheme (IML) provides comprehensive training and assessment for individuals who aspire to work as leaders in Europe and further afield. It integrates training, experience and assessment in a variety of realistic situations. The scheme provides training and assessment in the skills required for leading and educating groups worldwide in summer conditions and also on easy snow-covered, rolling, Nordic-type terrain in the “middle mountains” in winter conditions. The scheme does not involve the techniques and equipment of mountaineering, alpinism or glacial travel.

Itinerary

* Please note: Itinerary is subject to weather and availability.

What to Expect

Over the five days we'll aim to cover the following broad topics

Winter leadership and group care in winter conditions

Personal movement skills on snow (with and without snowshoes)

Route choice, terrain evaluation, and safe travel

Avalanche awareness and snow pack evaluation.

Experience Required

You should be 18 years old to attend this course. Before you book onto an International Mountain Leader Winter training course, you must have completed an IML Summer training course. It's advisable to gain some snowshoe experience prior to attending this course.

This course is non-residential so you're expected to provide your own food, travel and accommodation. It will be based in Morgins - Switzerland. You need to meet the assessors at 9.00am on the first morning of the course.

What do I need to bring?
Equipment List
How should I prepare?
Preparation guide
What do I need to bring?

You should bring:

  • Equipment to look after yourself and a group in the winter Alpine environment
  •  A suitable hill rope
  • Group shelter
  • First aid kit
  • Slings and karabiners for any emergency winter ropework scenarios
  • A walking axe
  • A probe (2 metres minimum) and shovel
  • Overseas travel insurance and EHIC card
  • The map you need for the training course isVal d'Illiez 1304. AUseful website for Swiss online mapping - map.schweizmobil.ch 
  • You can hire an avalanche transceiver from us. If you intend to buy a transceiver prior to the course, we recommend that it has the following functions: 3 antennas A group check A mark function – suitable for multiple burials
  • It's also useful to bring a towel, hut slippers.
How should I prepare?

It's advisable to gain some snowshoe experience prior to attending this course. You should also prepare a five minute chat on an environmental topic that interests you prior to your arrival on the training course. You'll be required to deliver this on the hill to your group. Other literature and useful resources you may want are;

  • BAA app Be Avalanche Aware;
  • Environmental information and any crib cards you use;
  • Avalanche Card or Snow & Slope cribs;
  • Books containing information about animal track and signs in winter

Available Course Dates

Start the booking process by selecting a course date, then adjust your details to suit your requirements.

Course Start Date
Duration
Cost*
Course Start Date
5th January, 2026
Fully Booked
Duration
5 Days
Cost*
Non-Residential:
£1,519.00
Join Waiting List
Course Start Date
12th January, 2026
Fully Booked
Duration
5 Days
Cost*
Non-Residential:
£1,519.00
Join Waiting List

Your Booking

Course Start Date
Duration
Cost
You have reached the maximum number of places for this course. To book further places, please call +44 (0) 1690 720 214
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This course will help you become

ready to consolidate your experience and go on to your International Mountain Leader Assessment Winter

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