Winter weekend 15-16 March 2019

I would most definitely second what Matt says. So just to comment in general, not in response to Rhianna, as this sort of question gets raised most years. In my view, unless supported by a suitably experienced friend/partner, the Winter trip isn’t really the place if you have never been on the British mountains in Winter. You need the right basic knowledge, clothing and kit, including crampons and an axe and have some idea of the skills in using them and to operate in Winter conditions. This isn’t that hard to achieve despite it appearing daunting. There is plenty of guidance out there on forums like UK Climbing, via Facebook forums and on you tube and in books. The BMC run a lecture series which is very good.
https://www.thebmc.co.uk/make-winter-count-with-a-bmc-skills-lecture-2018
Sadly no venues nearer than Durham.
Of course the main centres like Plas Y Brenin and Glenmore Lodge also run courses which I believe are excellent. Personally, I am largely self-taught. Books, videos and just getting out on my own or with friends and having a go. There is a great depth of experience in the club for advice and I have no doubt there may be trips leading up to the Winter w/e that people can jump on. The Club did try a pre-Winter prep trip early this year but it was under subscribed due to the dreadful weather as I recall. And that is a perennial problem with British Winter, planning ahead is challenging due to the changeable conditions. If you have a foundation in year-round hill/mountain walking, scrambling and trad climbing that helps. Basic skills with ice-axe and crampons can all be developed in fairly local environments, when conditions are benign, like the moors and Dales when there is a bit of snow around. Plus you can also practice navigation, day and night, and test out footwear, kit and clothing at the same time. Other things to consider include an awareness of weather systems, and where to look to get the best predictions; I use the Norwegian weather service and the UK Mountain weather and avalanche services. Avalanche risk is another knowledge area that will need some work if you are going into remoter places in snowy conditions.
British Winter mountaineering is the finest activity on the planet and a super preparation for other adventures in the Alps and beyond. It is, however, the meeting point of related but different skills and knowledge and needs personal commitment and preparation.

Hi Rhianna
This does get asked every year and thank you John and Matt for responding. I was going to respond earlier but as I have minimal experience I wanted to leave it to the more experienced members to comment.
If you are interested and committed to invest time and money into learning then a couple of us have talked about doing a winter skills course at Glenmore Lodge, let me know if you’re interested too and we could discuss all potentially going together pre the winter weekend and start learning 🙂

Penny

Thanks Steve, that’s an good option too.
Penny