NEVIS WINTER SKILLS - (GONDOLA ACCESS)

1 day - Easy grade
Guide/Client Ratio; Max 1:6

AIM

With Ben Nevis and Fort William as the backdrop we provide you with a supportive environment in which to learn and practice the techniques required for safe winter mountain walking, gaining confidence as you practice.

OUTLINE

Making the most of the day by accessing the mountain by gondola to 650m, we have little to worry about in wasting a lot of time getting high enough to find some snow. Instead we can cheat a bit and get the most out of the day learning or refreshing the basic winter skills needed for safe travel in the mountains in the serious winter environment.

CONTENT

As every winter walking skills course is tailored to the clients on it, we don't have a set syllabus rather target the areas we think are most valuable to you or you have expressed an interest in. That said, the following topics give you an idea of what to expect:

Preparation for winter
Importance of planning in a winter context
Movement skills on snow with and without crampons
Preventing and stopping slides
Effective use of the axe
Basic winter navigation
Emergency procedures

Each course will cover broadly the same content but the instructor will tailor the format, delivery and emphasis of the relevant areas, to the needs of the group and the conditions.

In case of chairlift closure we may need to try and find snow the old fashioned way, on foot, which may necessitate a venue change to make the best of the conditions. We will endeavour to notify you as soon as possible if this is likely to be the case, typically by 7pm the evening prior when the updated forecast model has been checked.

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Confirmed scheduled dates

PREREQUISITES

Experience of full-day summer mountain walking
A reasonable level of hill fitness and ability to cope with a day out in possibly inclement conditions
Suitable winter kit (see our kit list)
Return gondola walkers ticket; The gondola is payable direct to ticket office at Nevis Range £23.50 for adults, £18.50 student/senior & £12.50 for under 18s (Winter Season 21/22).

KIT HIRE AVAILABLE

Should you not yet possess, or simply don't fancy travelling with the pointy spiky kit and a bulky helmet we can provide the kit for a nominal fee which you can add at the time of booking.

A map The Start and of local accommodation providers

Start point will be the Nevis Range Mountain Resort as indicated by the UA logo.
Accommodation providers are listed solely for your convenience and we receive no financial gain from any bookings made.