How to train novice members in your club, winter skills

Posted by Jane Thompson on 01/04/2022

This popular training event offering training and support to experienced club members when taking novice club members out in winter conditions is returning in early 2023.

This popular training event will be returning in February 2023 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

This rate is significantly subsidised by the BMC.

En-suite rooms may be available in the main house for you to book if you would prefer private accommodation - 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.