International Mountain Leader Training Winter (New Standard)
  • Alpine
  • 6 Days
  • 12 People to 1 instructor

International Mountain Leader Training Winter (New Standard)

  • Hike
  • Mountain Training Award
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Overview

Each day of the course will be spent outside in the Winter environment. There will be a mixture of practical sessions and journeying, including a 3-day, 2-night hut to hut trip. A wide range of topics will be covered including walking with snowshoes and microspikes, snow observations, using an avalanche forecast, track setting, the Winter environment, leadership and group management, use of a Transceiver, probe and shovel, teaching, and more | You’ll be learning from experienced International Mountain Leaders and Mountain Guides who will help you develop your Winter knowledge and leadership, whilst supporting your progression towards assessment.

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The Objectives

You’ll have completed comprehensive training against the UIMLA 2024 Standard, helping you move towards working as a leader internationally in the mountains. You’ll have a clear understanding of how to personally progress to be successful on the Winter IML assessment.

Itinerary

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

This non-residential course will be based in Val d’Anniviers. A variety of accommodation can be found in the valley.

Accueil

Val d’Anniviers Tourism – Valais Switzerland

Please arrive in Zinal for 9am on the morning of the first day of the course where the instructors will meet you. Following a short briefing, you will then need to be prepared for a day out. The details of the exact location will be provided closer to the time.

Days 1 and 2

Introduction to the course. Personal movement on snow. Avalanche bulletin interpretation. Snow observations. Using a transceiver, probe and shovel. Winterising your ropework and navigation. Emergency procedures and shelters. Searching for a single transceiver.

Days 3 to 5

Hut to hut expedition. An opportunity to travel further, enabling each candidate time to track set, solve problems using the rope, spend time leading the group and getting to grips with transceiver checks. Snow observations and understanding will be developed. As we venture away from the valley floor there will more opportunities to learn about the Winter environment. Searching for two transceivers.

Day 6

An opportunity for candidates to teach the skills needed to use a transceiver, probe and shovel. We also look at managing and involvement in larger avalanche scenarios.

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. You do not have to have passed the Timed Navigation Test before attending this 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 GHIC card
  • The map you need for the training course isEditionMPA TopoRando Val d'Anniviers 1:25000 map. A
  • 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 Mountain Training accredited course. We would recommend that you complete the SAIS Be Avalanche Aware eLearning course, found here: https://learning.sportscotland.org.uk/product?catalog=co_GML_BAAP_2025 || Being familiar with the terminology and layout of the Avalanche bulletin of the country your course is based in, is also useful. The map on https://www.avalanches.org/ will link you to the relevant area. This website also contains a useful Glossary in multiple languages. It’s never too early to begin learning about the environment in Winter, especially trees and animal tracks. Come along with some fun facts to share with your peers.

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
18th January, 2027
Duration
6 Days
Cost*
Non-Residential:
£1,590.00

Your Booking

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