Winter Courses 2008
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Alba Mountaineering's
winter program is based in Fort William Britain's premier winter venue. This
will be our sixteenth year of running winter courses in Fort William.
We have expert local knowledge of the area to help you get the most out of your
winter experience. In the shadow of Ben Nevis Britain's highest mountain Alba
runs a full winter walking, mountaincraft and climbing program.
Last winter we had winter
conditions from New Year through to the end of March if you missed out last
year it's time to start thinking winter again.
All technical equipment supplied free of charge for all courses. No
hidden extras
Alba's Winter Program 2008
Alba's Winter Program offers three
grades of courses with instruction in the winter. Winter
Munro's, Winter Mountaincraft and Introductory Winter Climbing. All are
graded as Strenuous weeks. We may not have any
glaciers in Scotland, but
the north face of Ben Nevis in February can be more alpine than the Alps .
It can also be more arctic, but that's the appeal of Britain's premier winter outdoor
arena. The program for the week involves five full days on the mountains. The week
starts with a get-together on Saturday evening for a program outline and
equipment check.
Going
Trekking or doing a Trekking
Peak? Then we can help you. Our leaders have worked
extensively abroad and know what is required to climb the peaks advertised by
other companies. Make the most of your 'Big Trip' by having a training week
with us. Call or e-mail for advice we are always pleased to chat.
The
Weather and Conditions. Winter in Scotland
is notoriously fickle at the best of times. No one week is regularly better
than the others. Some can be unbelievably good and some awful, so there is an
element of luck involved. However having an intimate knowledge of these hills
helps us to make the best of any weather we get. There is always something to
do. We will always go on to the hills and use the day to its best advantage.
Equipment. All technical equipment is provided
as part of the week. Course members are encouraged however to use their own
personal equipment if they have it, as this provides a good method of
familiarization in a variety of situations. A full equipment list will be sent
on confirmation of your booking.
Winter
Accommodation.
This winter we are offering two accommodation options the usual comfortable Bed
and Breakfast option and a self catering option. The newly built self catering
units are well equipped for a comfortable stay. They are centrally located in Fort William
within easy walking distance of all the facilities. The price includes all
linen and electricity. It also has a good drying room for all that damp gear.
The rooms are shared with either two single beds or bunks in each, no single
rooms.
Extra
Courses.
Can't find the right dates for you? Well give us a call and we may be able to
arrange a course for you. Especially if you have a small group of friends we
can organize just about any course specially for you
any time.
WINTER
MUNROS
Maximum
Ratio 6 : 1
This mountain walking week
provides instruction in all essential aspects of the winter skills - Ice Axe
and Crampon techniques, Navigation and Route planning, Snow and Avalanche
conditions. These weeks are ideal for the summer walker who wants winter
experience. The daily itinerary would start with a day of snowcraft training
and familiarization with equipment. Then on subsequent days we would ascend
some of the local Munros by the safest easiest routes. Ben Nevis, GlenCoe, the
Mamores and the Grey Corries are just a few of the Munros within easy reach of Fort William.
This week involves some
movement on steep ground and ridges. Therefore a good level of fitness is
required and some previous summer walking experience. No ropework will be
involved unless the guide deems it necessary to safeguard the party over a
short section. A sample itinerary is shown later in the winter section. All
activities in winter are weather dependent, so the itinerary will change!

WINTER MUNROS. Course only:
£290.00
Accommodation:
·
Self
Catering: £12.00 per night ( £72.00 for six nights covering the
course)
·
Bed
and Breakfast: £25.00 per night (£150.00 for six nights covering
the course)
Availability 2008
(Saturday arrival dates)
·
January
: 26th
·
February
: 9th
·
March
: 1st & 29th
·
April
: 12th,
WINTER MOUNTAINCRAFT
Maximum
Ratio 4 : 1
A structured
introduction to Winter Mountaineering covering all aspects of winter
mountaineering, including, Ice Axe and Crampon techniques, basic Ropework and
Belaying, Navigation and snow and Avalanche risk assessment. The technical level of these weeks
includes moving over Scottish grade I and II ground The
week will operate in the Ben Nevis, GlenCoe
area and the days will be of a strenuous nature. Previous climbing experience
is not required. Just a good level of fitness, summer walking
experience and an enthusiasm to learn. Whilst learning the skills that
take you from summer into the winter environment we will take to the summits
and onto the easier ridges and gullies. Navigation and snowcraft form a crucial
part of the course to enable group members to lead themselves safely in the
winter. A sample itinerary is shown later in the winter section. All activities
in winter are very weather dependent, so the itinerary will change!
WINTER
MOUNTAINCRAFT. Course Only: £340.00
Accommodation:
- Self Catering: £72.00
- Bed and Breakfast: £150.00
Availability 2008
(Saturday arrival dates)
- January: 12th, 19th, 26th.
- February : 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd
- March : 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
- April : 5th, 12th
INTRODUCTORY
WINTER CLIMBING
Maximum
Ratio 2 : 1
A solid introduction to the skills and grades of winter
climbing in all its forms. This course will suit those with either
winter mountaineering experience or summer climbers wishing to develop their
skills in winter. We concentrate in the corries, in gullies, on ridges and
buttresses, learning winter belays, climbing styles, route choice, snow
conditions, and leading routes where appropriate on our way. Also included is a
thorough grounding in the basic winter skills of axe and crampons techniques,
winter belaying including piton and ice screw placement.
Whilst learning the skills
that take you from summer into winter climbing we will take to the mountains
and climb the ridges and gullies which are best suited to your needs and the
prevailing conditions. Navigation and snowcraft form a crucial part of the
course to enable group members to lead themselves safely in the winter. A
sample itinerary is shown later in the winter section. All activities in winter
are very weather dependent, so the itinerary will change!

INTRODUCTORY WINTER CLIMBING.
Course
only: £400.00
Accommodation:
·
Self
Catering: £72.00
·
Bed
and Breakfast: £120.00
Availability 2008 (Saturday arrival dates)
·
January
: 19th
·
February
: 2nd , 16th
·
March
: 1st , 15th, 29th
After the last advertised
week climbing can be arranged depending on the prevailing conditions. In 2005
we climbed until early May!
SCOTTISH
WINTER ITINERARIES.
WINTER
MUNROS
- Saturday : Arrival in Fort William,
introductory talk and equipment check
- Sunday : All courses : Basic winter
skills introduction or revision : Ice axe and crampon skills, snow and
avalanche. Finish with a summit.
- Monday : Ascent on the Mamores.
- Tuesday : Ascent in GlenCoe
- Wednesday : Navigating on hills near Laggan East of Fort William.
- Thursday : Ascent of Ben
Nevis.
- Friday : Depart
WINTER
MOUNTAINCRAFT
- Saturday : Arrival in Fort William,
introductory talk and equipment check
- Sunday : All courses : Basic winter skills introduction
or revision : Ice axe and crampon skills, snow and avalanche, belaying and
ropework, where appropriate. Finish with a summit if possible.
- Monday : N. Ridge of Stob
Bhan
- Tuesday : Gully day in GlenCoe, Stob
Coire Nan Lochan
- Wednesday : East Ridge of Beinn A'Chaorainn. Moving together ropework.
- Thursday : Ledge
Route on Ben Nevis
- Friday. Depart.
INTRODUCTORY
WINTER CLIMBING
Saturday : Arrival in Fort
William,
introductory talk and equipment check
- Sunday : All courses : Basic winter skills introduction
or revision : Ice axe and crampon skills, snow and avalanche, belaying and
ropework.. Finish with a climb if possible.
- Monday : Ascend gully in GlenCoe Gr II
- Tuesday : Ascend ridge in the Mamores Gr II/III
- Wednesday : Gully climb on Aonach Mor
- Thursday : Gully or Ridge on Ben
Nevis
- Friday : Depart.
Please Note : There is no rest day on the Alba winter weeks. They will run Saturday
arrival to Friday Depart. These itineraries are for example only,
please do not expect us to follow them rigidly. The weather plays a major part
in route choice as you will find out. Whether you are a walker or a climber the
weather rules O. K. !
Evenings are left free to relax and recover. There may be a slide show during
the week if there is an interest amongst the group. There is plenty to do in Fort William
in the evenings.
Winter Equipment Check List
You are expected to provide
your own normal hill clothing and boots. The list below is a rough guide to
what you may expect to need during an average week. All technical equipment is
provided as part of the course. However you are encouraged to use your own
personal equipment if you have it, as this provides a good method of
familiarization in a variety of conditions
EQUIPMENT
:
- Boots. Boots need to be of good quality, well
broken in and reasonably stiff. For Climbing in winter it is recommended
to have a fully stiffend sole, non-bendy boot in
either plastic or leather. For the mountaineering and introductory course,
a solid leather boot is adequate. Please check in a climbing shop before
arrival. Plastic boots can be hired by prior arrangement. If hiring please
check the size you take in a Scarpa 'Vega' or
'Alpha' plastic boot at a climbing shop beforehand. One pair of thick
socks is adequate for plastic boots. Boots should not be very flexible or
smooth soled
- Waterproof Jacket. A medium to heavy weight
jacket with a hood.Lightweight waterproofs are
often inadequate under severe winter conditions. A large hood with visor
is essential for the jacket.
- Waterproof Overtrousers. The trousers should have at
least a knee length zip enabling them to be fitted over boots/crampons.
This is an essential point to remember especially if you are hiring
plastic boots. Take your waterproofs into a shop which sells plastic boots
and try the boots on, then try and put on your over trousers.
- Gaiters. Essential for all courses.
- Warm clothing. Lots of layers.
- Hat/Balaclava. You loose 20% of your heat
through your head.
- Gloves/Mittens. Mittens are warmer. Bring a
spare pair too.
- Rucksack. Around 40 - 50 Litres is the best size.
- Survival Bag. The essential minimum survival kit.
- Torch. Headtorches are
best. Bring spare batteries and bulb.
- Sunglasses Suncream
and Ski Goggles
From one extreme to the other (usually within 15 mins)
- Compass and Whistle.
- Map sheet 41 (Ben
Nevis)
- Thermos Flask
- Personal First Aid kit
- Plastic Rucksack Liner ,
- Camera and Spare Film
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT :
On all weeks :
- Ice Axe. For walking or general mountaineering an
axe of 60/65cm is adequate. Climbing requires a shorter hammer and axe
(50cm) with either an inclined or drooped pick. A wrist loop should be
fitted to climbing tools.
- Crampons. Crampons should be ten or twelve pointers
with front points. Clip-on crampons are very easy to fit on some boots,
whilst traditional strap-on models are okay, but less easy to fit in cold
windy conditions. A more rigid twelve point crampon is better for winter
climbing. Anti-balling plates are recommended. Ask for advice if you are
unsure
- Helmet. All courses please bring one along if you
can
On Winter
Mountaincraft weeks :
- Climbing Harness. An easy to use harness with
adjustable leg loops. Not required for the munro's course. Please make sure the harness
fits over thick clothing and can be put on over boots and crampons.
Adjustable leg-loops are preferable for ease of fitting. The Black Diamond
'Bod' harness is very good in this respect
On Introductory
Ice Climbing weeks :
- Ice Hammer. An Ice Axe with a hammer head
- Long sling and two large karabiners (screwgate - HMS) Climbing and
mountaineering courses.
- Belay plate & screwgate karabiner (HMS) Climbing course only.
If you have any questions about gear or it's suitability please give us a
call. We will be pleased to help
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