28th February 2014 - ATM Workshops Winter Skills Day Two

Today i was back working with the degree students at West Highland college on their winter practical workshops. Following on from yesterday's skills sessions we opted to go for a bit of a journey to explore the mountains and look at leadership and decision making in real winter conditions. We also wanted to consolidate some of the skills we picked up yesterday.

Starting for blar a' choarainn we headed north along the West Highland way for a short while, looking at timing and pacing briefly, before striking east onto the ridge of meall nan choarainn,during which we looked at group management, walking speeds and ascending tactics to save energy.

Once on the ridge proper we did a little bit of relocating before heading south higher up the ridge in search of a good snow patch. Once we found one, we recapped on our self arrests, practiced some boot work and discussed group safety and decision making.

We then went on a journey, with each of the team leading sections. Conditions deteriorated noticibly,with visibility coming and going. We saw huge debris on the eastern slopes, clearly from a sizable cornice collapse. We also saw some hefty cornices still standing, and discussed tactics of avoiding coming too close to the edge.

Once we located the summit it was time for a quick photo before heading back down the way we had come. Whilst i was deep in discussion with John who was out with us again today, one of the lads led us a bit too far north West, leaving us on the wrong slopes. Typically the cloud rolled in leaving us in all but total white out, so i navved us back on to the ridge and let the guys take over again. Hopefully it was a lesson to them on how easily and quickly you can lose your way!!
Back down to the bus safely just after 4. A great day out on the hill, Kit now all soaking wet!! Well done guys for a fun, educational two days!!

14th February 2014 - winter skills up at Aonach Mor

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!!