How to train novice members in your club, winter skills

Posted by Jane Thompson on 25/01/2022

**Last few places** After covid restrictions cancelled our plans for 2021, we're back in February 2022 for this popular training event offering training and support to experienced club members when taking novice club members out in winter conditions.

This popular training event will be returning on 4-6 February 2022 to offer training and support to experienced club members when taking novice club members out in winter conditions.

Costing only £75 for the weekend, this course is for the experienced members of affiliated clubs who support novice members whilst they gain experience, develop skills, and become competent in winter walking and mountaineering skills.

Many clubs offer training sessions with experienced club members instructing novice members. This may be on a formal basis at specific training meets or informally at any club meet, and whilst it is not necessary for club members to hold any formal qualifications in order to deliver training to other members within their club, some may wish to be better informed on current good practice.

This weekend will include theory sessions on the principles of teaching and learning skills in winter conditions and the planning of training days, issues around duty of care and minimising risk, avalanche awareness and winter navigation all delivered by experts in their field. The majority of the sessions will be delivered in a practical setting so expect to head outdoors on both days.

All steps will be taken to meet any covid-restrictions, plus we will be limiting numbers attending the course to ensure that additional space is offered in the bunkhouse. Confirmation of all steps will be provided closer to the date once any regulation changes have been announced by the Welsh Government.

Saturday

Minimising the risk
Session structuring for novices
Teaching movement in winter conditions
Planning a day out in winter conditions
Winter navigation
Avalanche Awareness

Sunday

Out on the hills putting the skills covered on Saturday in to practice

Book your place HERE

All prices include all instruction, group equipment, tea and cakes after the practical session on Saturday & Sunday plus a three-course meal on the Saturday evening. The accommodation is for Friday and Saturday night on a self-catering basis in the bunkhouse.

Total cost for the weekend = £75

These rates are significantly subsidised through a grant the BMC receives from Sport England, but the grant may not be available in future years.

En-suite rooms may be available in the main house for you to book - please contact PyB directly to do this (www.pyb.co.uk / 01690 720214).

NB You must be a current member of a BMC-affiliated club to attend this course

NB It is expected that all participants are competent in the skills appropriate to the practical sessions.

IMPORTANT: This course will not cover ice climbing skills.

If you like the sound of this course you may be interested in the 'summer' version where we cover rock climbing, hillwalking and scrambling - click here for more information

Please note

Places on this course are not guaranteed until payment has been received.

Cancellations within 14 days of the course starting will not be eligible for a refund.

Cancellations 15-28 days prior to the course starting will get a 50% refund.

Cancellations more than 28 days prior to the course starting get a full refund.

In case of cancellation we can sometimes transfer your booking to another course if you wish and there is space.

If the course is cancelled by the BMC a full refund will be offered or the option to transfer your booking on to another course, whichever you prefer.

Further details

For queries about ths programme contact Jane Thompson via email or phone: clubs@thebmc.co.uk / 07885 910606

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Take your winter adventure skills to the next level with #MakeWinterCount.

These popular events are back to help you stride out into the winter hills and mountains with confidence. We will be running three events this year, with in person evenings in London on 29th November and Manchester on 30th November, and a virtual event on Zoom on 1st December.

This event is brilliant for anyone who wants to learn more about winter hill and mountain skills. You'll go from bumbling about to striding with confidence to the summit after you've gained all the knowledge from our experts Sam Leary and Mick Jones.