Winter Mountaineering And Climbing Instructor Training
  • Scotland
  • 5 Days
  • 4 People to 1 instructor

Winter Mountaineering And Climbing Instructor Training

  • Climb
  • Mountain Training Award
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Overview

Though said in jest, we do believe ‘West is best’ for these courses. Quite simply, we have a huge diversity of mountain ranges and terrain all within a 45-minute drive. From celebrated mountaineering journeys in Glen Coe, to classic snow and ice gullies on Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor, and mixed climbing in the Southern Highlands, it’s all within easy reach. This means we can maximise our time on the hill, make the most of the conditions, and develop skills progressively and in context.

Our team of WMCI trainers have a combined experience of over 100 winter seasons; rest assured they’ll work with you to make the most of your time with us, and create the best learning and coaching environment possible. We’ll cover the WMCI syllabus as practically as possible, with time dedicated to skills that are trickier to develop independently. Evening sessions will support the more theoretical sides of what’s covered on the hill. Expect to leave the course brimming with new knowledge, inspired, and most likely, tired!

THESE COURSES ARE RESIDENTIAL TO ENSURE THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF QUALITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL CANDIDATES ARE FULLY MAINTAINED. ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING IS PROVIDED FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR COURSE STARTS, AND FINISHES WITH BREAKFAST ON THE MORNING AFTER YOUR COURSE ENDS.

NON- RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS CAN BE NEGOTIATED, PLEASE CONTACT PYB DIRECTLY TO DISCUSS.

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The Objectives

You'll leave the course inspired and motivated to progress on to your Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Assessment. Through feedback and reflection you'll gain a clear understanding of your current abilities and an action plan towards assessment.

Itinerary

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

We encourage all participants to read the syllabus which can be found on the MT website. The programme is subject to change according to weather and snow conditions, but courses aim to follow this outline.

Sunday

Arrive at Alltshellach from 5pm and settle in, with dinner at 7.30.

Monday

Introduction to the course and scope of the WMCI

Snowcraft / ice craft/ snow belays

Emphasis on teaching and coaching fundamental skills

Snow and avalanche awareness

Tuesday

Mountaineering day

Emphasis on personal movement on grade I / II ground with 1 ice axe

Short roping and pitching

Wednesday

Personal / guided climbing day

Emphasis on basic ropework, anchor placement and stance management.

It’s anticipated routes of grade III or above will be climbed on this day

Thursday

Teaching climbing day

Emphasis on teaching and coaching techniques on the move

Friday

Consolidation of skills

Course review and action planning

Saturday

Breakfast and farewells

Experience Required

Prior to booking an assessment candidates must have attended a Winter and Mountaineering Instructor training course and gained the following experience as a minimum;

10 days in the mountains managing parties in winter conditions

5 days’ climbing experience at Grade III

A valid first aid certificate of at least 2 days / 16 hours minimum contact time

Having more experience, and in particular, recent experience will stand candidates in the best stead to be successful.

Your equipment hire and in-course transport is included. Support is on hand from our friendly, and exceptionally well qualified staff, to help develop your understanding and personal skills. They also help you to formulate an appropriate action plan for your further development. The address of Plas y Brenin in Scotland is HF Holidays Alltshellach, Onich, Fort William, Inverness-Shire PH33 6SA.

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

Please bring the following equipment. PYB will provide all ropes.

Personal mountain clothing including hats, gloves, mitts etc.

Waterproof jacket and trousers/salopettes

Mountaineering boots

Gaiters

Crampons (with anti-balling plates)

Ice axes and hammer

Helmet

Harness

Climbing rack & prussiks

Rucksack

Snow goggles

Headtorch

Compass (Silva Expedition 4 recommended)

First aid kit and blister kit

Maps – ideally all laminated, if not bring a map case; OS Landranger No 41 1:50,000 Ben Nevis, OS Explorer No 392 1:25,000 Ben Nevis and Fort William and OS Explorer No 384 1:50,000 Glencoe and Glen Etive.

Appropriate guide books

Snow shovel

How should I prepare?
You must be registered on the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor scheme with Mountain Training prior to attending this course and have the required experience. Candidates who have only the minimum experience are unlikely to benefit fully from either the training or assessment course.

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
24th February, 2025
Duration
5 Days
Cost*
Residential:
£1,240.00

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
Total

Course Start Date
Included
Duration
Attendees
Cost
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This course will help you become

A Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Certificate holder

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