How to train novice members in your club, winter skills

Posted by Jane Thompson on 22/08/2019

It's not too early to start thinking about winter! This popular training event will be returning on 1-2 February 2020 to offer training and support to experienced club members when taking novice club members out in winter conditions.

Costing only £65 (**early bird rate) 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.

The course fee includes self-catering accommodation at Plas y Brenin whilst on the course (Friday night to Sunday afternoon), all instruction, group equipment and a three-course meal on the Saturday evening.

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

The 'Early Bird' rate of £65 is valid until the end of November 2019

The price will increase to £85 from 1st December 2019

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: jane@thebmc.co.uk / 07885 910606

WATCH Training novice club members on BMC TV:

WATCH the BMC Student Seminar at Plas y Brenin on BMC TV:

WATCH the Rucksack Club meet: Gogarth 2014 on BMC TV:

Don't miss our skills playlists on BMC TV:

#MakeWinterCount

Calling all winter warriors – share your winter journey to join our amazing competition. Want to find out how to win free stuff with your polar pics? Read on.

Over the whole of winter, starting in November, the BMC and Lowe Alpine are running an immense competition that you don't want to miss.

If you've a penchant for snowy slopes, frosty escapades, or dicey ice adventures, make sure to take some epic snaps or short videos along the way. Then, when you return to your hero's welcome, share your winter journey with us via social media with the right hashtag to enter our fantastic monthly prize draw.