FINAL WINTER COURSE IN 2023

 

Will & Liz on their 4 day winter course

I ran my final winter skills course this year between 28th - 21st December 2023. Liz & Will booked on one of my 4 day winter skills courses with me. Before their trip up to the Highlands they hadn't ventured into any winter hills, anywhere. Going on a multi day course gives lots of scope to learn and hone a big variety of essential skills.

Self belay

Trail breaking, a theme of the entire courses

Rewarded with a view of the Northern Cairngorms

 On our first day we were restricted to some lower terrain with the high Cairngorms receiving 60mph + winds. We found some sheltered areas on Meall a' Bhuachaille to run through the basics with axe and boot and coping in wind.

Crampons and ice axe terrain

Steeper ground

On the Cairngorm plateau

Mixed ground

Iced rocks

Glimpses of stunning scenery

Day 2 and the winds abated. We could get up high and get more done. A brilliant day using axe and crampons on a variety of winter terrain. Temperatures had  fallen, it was below freezing at the Coire Cas carpark. A crusty snowpack lower down but fabulous mix of ice and firm snow up on the ridges.

Wind and whiteout

Descending in 50mph winds

Day 3 saw the high winds back. It was forecast to be 80mph + on the high Cairngorms. The morning was calm so we opted for some lower hills in the Glenfeshie mountains. By mid day the winds had dramatically increased. Good coping strategies in the difficult conditions. Will & Liz did a grand job. We covered more avalanche awareness, navigation and just staying upright!

Braeriach - Carn Toul plateau from Ben Macdui

Great views today

Breaking through the cloud

Late afternoon light on the Cairngorm plateau

Celebrations on the summit of Ben Macdui

The final day on the couples's course. A brilliant end to the 4 days. We had a brilliant time on Ben Macdui. Full snow cover at all levels and unconsolidated snow. This meant hard work trail breaking, despite some footprints already on the route. The winds went from 30mph at the carpark to nil on the Cairngorm plateau. The clouds dispersed and superb views were enjoyed on the summit. A beautiful descent, we had the hill to ourselves for a big chunk of the day. Final hour was in darkness, headtorches are essential bits of kit. A top 4 days with great company. A great end to 2023.

Happy New Year!