Abacus Mountaineering, Climbing Instructor and Mountain Guide

Avalanche Course

Avalanches occur very frequently throughout the Scottish winter and regularly injure mountaineers and climbers. By studying the theory of how snow changes structure and forms avalanche hazards, assessing the risk of the hazards and making real decisions based on our assessments we can learn how to travel safely in the hills in winter. This two day course requires some winter walking experience and knowledge of the use of ice axes and crampons as we will search out the most interesting snow and assess the avalanche risk there. You will come away with an in depth knowledge of how snow works, how to assess the risk and how to avoid it, giving you the confidence to explore the winter hills in safety.

Two days is ideal for the course and it is suitable for up to six people. The prices are for the whole group, divide this by the number of people for the price per person.

People	1 day	2 days
1	Ł170	Ł340
2	Ł190	Ł380
3	Ł210	Ł420
4	Ł230	Ł460
5	Ł250	Ł500
6	Ł270	Ł540

Course Outline

Day One	Indoor 2 hour theory session considering the many factors in snow formation, transportation and transformation. Late morning departure to Nevis Range to walk over Aonach Mor observing all the avalanche hazard warning signs and assessing the risk. Late afternoon wrap up and writing of avalanche forecast for the following day.
Day Two	Full day of mountaineering to discuss the accuracy of yesterday's forecast, assess today's hazards and make an ascent of a suitable (and safe!) grade I gully. Practice of safe travel techniques and discussion of avalanche incident management and rescue.

Download the printer friendly Winter Mountaineering kit list.

To make an enquiry or booking read the Course Information.

Abseiling into Easy Gully

Debris of a major avalanche

A Ruschblock test