Today was day two of the winter skills course with the first year students from the ATM course at West Highland college. I headed out with three of the students from yesterday to consolidate and expand upon the techniques we looked at yesterday. Due to the experience of the team i opted to focus our time on learning and discussing skills and strategies rather than going on a long journey. We headed up the gondola quite early,and i was keen to get the guys thinking about suitable venues, along with potential hazards and other considerations with forecasts in mind.
We spent the day looking further at kit, in particular boots and crampons. We practiced using the boots as tools on varying slopes, and looked at reserving energy and moving efficiently. We then dug hasty pits and explored the snow pack,getting the guys to consider what might be changing in the pack considering current conditions. We then found a good slope to practice self arrests, and the lads had a great session developing their techniques. We practiced on our backs, fronts, upside down, out of control and with no axe. All of which the guys had plenty of practice of.
We then looked at cutting steps both up and down slopes, managing a group and using snow proves before heading east to find a good vantage point from which we could look safely at the east face of the nid ridge and is substantial cornice and scarp slope, discussing features to look out for on a loaded slope.
Then it was back to the gondola station, beside which we found a cracking little spot to dig some emergency shelters, which the lads really enjoyed. A great end to a great day thanks guys for your banter and input over the two days!!
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