Ben Nevis Weekend (1 Day Skills, 1 Day Summit)

Dominating the Fort William skyline (and the view from our windows), at 1344m (4,409 ft) Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest mountain.  At any time of the year, an ascent via the mountain track, from Glen Nevis, can be challenging, but it is throughout the winter months, when temperatures are low, winds can be strong and snow covers most of the mountain that a walk to the summit can be at it’s toughest.  The mountain path starts almost at sea level, from the stunning Glen Nevis, and winds it’s way first up the Halfway Lochan, before a series of zig-zags lead their way alongside the Red Burn to the wild summit plateau.  Although this path stays well away from the far steeper North Face, and is at a steady gradient all the way, keeping to the path all the way is essential.  The total distance for successfully reaching the summit of the mountain is 18km, and involves 1329m of ascent. This weekend course is designed to equip you with the winter skills required to tackle Ben Nevis via the mountain path, before putting it all into practice on the following day, with a guided ascent of Ben Nevis with a qualified Winter Mountain Leader. We may use Aonach Mor, just north of Fort William for the Skills day, as it can be accessed by uplift, allowing greater time for coaching of winter skills. There is a small costs of which will need to be covered by yourselves. Skills that will be covered during the course:

• Gear and equipment
• Planning a winter hill day out (including weather interpretation, conditions and avalanche risk)
• Using the boot as a tool
• Use of ice axe and crampons
• Movement on snow and ice
• Ice axe arresting
• Navigation in winter
• Avalanche awareness & safe route choice

Ratio: Maximum 1:6