We are pleased to again be the official provider for 2023 of these courses to Austrian Alpine Club UK members

The purpose of the event is to develop and practise techniques for winter mountaineering.  Below are aims and expected content (skills and knowledge) for this course. Included are indications of suitable experience to access the course.

Due to the flexibility offered by small ratios, it has been decided to only offer a 2 tier programme. 

Winter Skills, 1:4 maximum (Winter mountaineering is the other programme) 3 days

The content and itinerary for each course will be flexible to allow for the prevailing weather conditions and participants’ experience. Each evening, it is hoped to provide lectures on key safety topics.

This is a closed (instruction only) course in Fort William, more info on the AAC UK website

Aims - Learn and develop the key winter skills for safe walking in the UK mountains in winter conditions

Prerequisites - Summer hill walking.

(All courses require a good level of hill fitness. As a general rule you should be capable of walking for a day of 5-7 hours, ascending 1000m with a 10kg rucksack, in summer conditions. This should be over consecutive days)

Content -

How to move on snow, including kicking steps

Use of ice axe for walking, cutting steps and self arrest

Use of crampons in ascent and for descent

Avalanche awareness

Safe route choice

Navigation and route planning

Equipment and clothing