Mountain Leader Winter Training
Neil Christie
As part of the ALIVE programme I was fortunate enough to be supported by VIA to attend a Winter Mountain Leader Training Programme with the National Mountain Sports Centre Plas-Y-Brenin at their winter retreat at Alltshellach near Kinlochleven (Aptly known as Kinloch Joch!). Whilst most of England was inundated with heavy snow and ice, I arrived in Fort William with plenty of time to spare prior to the start of the course; realising that there was an apparent lack of snow on the lower slopes!
I need not have feared as there was plenty of snow and ice waiting in the upper reaches of the Munroe’s particularly on the Lee slopes and the northern aspects. During the first evening of the course we were introduced to our instructors all bar none had spent the lion’s share of their lives in the outdoors and had a wealth of experience to impart to us.
Day 1
Saw us ascending from Glen Coe to Buachaille Etive Beag where we practiced basic route selection, ice axe arrests, crampon work; we also managed to summit Stob Dubh before descending through difficult terrain back towards Glen Coe. For most of us the first day was a bit of a shake out to get us back into the rhythm of being in the mountains. The evening was spent engaged with a pertinent lecture relating to the mountain environment
followed by a few beers/wets at the bar.
Day 2
We were back in Glen Coe and summited Bidean nam Bian (1150m) whilst practicing rope work, route selection and confidence roping. Our descent route took us via the Hidden Valley where we descended using the snow bollard technique.
Day 3
Was spent in the veil of Ben Nevis in an area called Coire Leis, this was a perfect spot where we further refined our skills and techniques to guide groups and individuals safely in the mountains in winter conditions. Much of a sweat was built up practicing cutting steps and creating T-axe and snow bollard anchors.
Day 4
We had a leisurely ascent onto Anoch Mor via the gondola to get us into the snowline, from here we practiced some more ice axe arresting techniques and spent more time on rope work, route selection and navigation skills. The conditions on the summit were very foul and we were all glad to have a warm brew/wet once we had finished for the day!
Day 5
Was the start of our expedition phase; we headed up into Coire Leis and found a suitable spot where we could dig in and construct our snow holes. The journey up and the snow hole construction took us about five hours in total, by which time it was getting towards last light. We headed up to the summit of Ben Nevis as darkness descended and diligently practiced our navigation skills on the plateau, taking into consideration pacing and bearing - whilst wearing crampons and a light pack.
The descent off of the plateau took us via no. 4 gulley which we carefully descended, followed by a swift paced march to our snow holes. The following morning we ascended the slope onto the Carn Mor Dearg ridge-line and further practiced route selection and navigation guiding the group back to the pick-up point.
The accommodation and facilities at Alltshellach were of a notably high standard, encompassing en-suite bedrooms, drying room (most essential for wet kit and boots), and a swimming pool with Jacuzzi. There was a well stocked bar with a fine selection of single malts and Scottish ales.
It is my intent within a year to be ready for the winter assessment with an aim of being suitably qualified to lead trips and walks in winter conditions for VIA.
A big thank you to all who have made this course possible.
