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.

StobbhanWINTER 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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