Aka practicing her ice axe arresting
Planning the next navigation leg with contour interpretation
Stephen is preparing for his ML assessment and wanted to practice navigation on steep complex mountain ground. So the course concentrated on contour interpretation on complex mountain terrain. This involves moving about the mountains by identifying features on the ground. This aids very fast navigation on ground where the compass and timings are not suitable tools to use. By building a story board Stephen and Alan managed to walk the entire length of their legs without reference to the map, learning to identify complex areas by their shape. It wasn’t long before they were ticking off these legs every time with accurately using these fast and efficient techniques. Do you want to focus on a particular part of your navigation? We can tailor a course specifically for your needs. http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/navigation-courses-snowdonia/
The winter walking season is nearly upon us. I will be running some guided walks this winter in Scotland and Snowdonia so if you fancied getting into winter walking drop me a message and we will work something out. Have a look at what’s on offer with Mountaineering Joe. http://mountaineeringjoe.co.uk/mountaineering/winter-skills-walking-and-mountaineering/
The ridges starting to get their wintery feel
Oren and Dylan had a fantastic time on their Introduction to Winter Skills course with Joe. This is what Oren had to say:
“My son and I have just come back from doing a 2 day winter skills course with Joe. The course was in preparation for a Mont Blanc summit that we are doing in the summer.
Joe was kind enough to meet us on the day before the course in order for us to get to know each other, check our expectations, fit crampons and ensure we have everything we need for the course. It worked very well as it gave us 2 full days focusing on our skills development.
On the first day we learned things like kicking/cutting steps, self arrest in different situations, using crampons, using an ice axe, avalanche risk assessment and more. Towards the end of the day we went for a short walk with the crampons. The day provided us with so much valuable information – wow.
On the second day we decided to climb Tryfan from the west side. It was full with snow and so beautiful. It was not just a climb; Joe got us involved with route choosing, assessing the snow, and kept challenging us with things like climbing ice patches so we learned to trust our crampons and ice axe. It worked!! We feel so much more confident now.
We both had fantastic time over the weekend. Joe is an excellent guide, happy to answer any questions (we had ton of questions), flexible, and a really nice person. We will definitely do another course with Joe in the near future.”
Oren and Dylan from Dorking.
Course: Introduction to Winter Skills, Snowdonia, North Wales. 30/31st March 2013
Whilst the Winter conditions remain in Snowdonia, take advantage of our latest course listing to develop your Winter Skills. We are taking last minute bookings for Thursday and Friday 11th/12th April. See our Winter Skills pages for more details.
To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.
We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements. So, if you don’t find a course on our website that suits you, please contact us to make a booking enquiry.
Oren and Dylan (from Dorking) had a great time on a Mountaineering Joe Winter Skills course at the weekend.
They are preparing for their trip to the Alps this summer.
We met on Friday evening to discuss:
- Oren and Dylans aspirations and levels of experience
- Review of crampons, axes and helmets
- Fitting and testing of crampons
- Fitting helmets
- Learning how to pack your ruck-sack
- Locations for the week-ends Winter Skills activities.
They were then ready for the week-end ahead with 8am pick-up times
Upcoming 2 day Introduction to Winter Skills course dates:
Course Title: Intro to Winter Skills Mid-week or week-end
Dates: Thurs/Fri 4/5 April – Sat/Sun 6/7 April or Mon/Tues 8/9 April.
Duration: Each course lasts for 2 days – instruction only
Cost: £160 per person **Special Offer £120.00 per person**
Location: Snowdonia, North Wales.
Group size: up to 4 clients with 1 instructor
For further details see the Winter Skills pages.
To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.
We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements. So, if you don’t find a course on our website that suits you, please contact us to make a booking enquiry.
Are you going to the Alps this summer? Do you need to learn or refresh your Winter skills? If so, we are running some late courses. Why not come along and hit the Alps up and running with well practiced safe skills!
The course is aimed at summer hill and mountain walkers, who wish to develop their skills and confidence in Winter conditions.
Upcoming 2 day Introduction to Winter Skills course dates:
Course Title: Intro to Winter Skills Mid-week or week-end
Dates: Thurs/Fri 4/5 April – Sat/Sun 6/7 April or Mon/Tues 8/9 April.
Duration: Each course lasts for 2 days – instruction only
Cost: £160 per person **Special Offer £120.00 per person**
Location: Snowdonia, North Wales.
Group size: up to 4 clients with 1 instructor
For further details see the Winter Skills pages.
To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.
We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements. So, if you don’t find a course on our website that suits you, please contact us to make a booking enquiry.
Take advantage of the extended Winter conditions in Snowdonia, North Wales this weekend.
This 2 day introductory course will provide you with the skills to explore and enjoy the mountains in Winter. The course is aimed at summer hill and mountain walkers, who wish to develop their skills and confidence in Winter conditions.
2 places left on this course
Course Title: M1. Intro to Winter Skills (Saturday/Sunday)
Duration: 2 days – instruction only
Cost: £160 per person **Special Offer £120.00 per person**
Location: Snowdonia, North Wales.
Group size: up to 4 clients with 1 instructor
For further details see the Introduction to Winter Skills pages.
To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.
We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements. So, if you don’t find a course on our website that suits you, please contact us to make a booking enquiry.
New Snow has arrived and the cold conditions are set to continue at least to the weekend. Excellent for last minute Winter walking and Winter skills.
We entered Cwm Cneifion (The Nameless Cwm) via the Gully on the left hand side of Idwal Slabs which is entertaining in its self. We climbed Tower Slabs on the far side of the Cwm. An excellent day for so late in the year. There should be a few freeze/thaw cycles this week making the weekend look great.
Winter Skills in Snowdonia
See our Winter skills pages for more details.
Last minute Winter skills course added this week to take advantage of the good conditions: 19-20th March 2013. Contact us to make a booking enquiry.
We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements.
Check out the Calendar and Listings for the dates and details of all upcoming activities and courses.
25th to 28th February 2013 – Daily Guided walks in the spectacular mountains of Snowdonia or along the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, Coastal Path.
Activity: Walking
Duration: 1 day – guide basis only
Cost: £40 per person
Location: Snowdonia, North Wales or the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.
Group size: Up to 6 clients with 1 guide.
For ridge walking see guided classic and epic ridge walks that offer steep and exposed terrains and opportunities for technical scrambling.
If you want to learn Winter Skills or improve your existing skills, see the Winter Skills and Walking pages.
We are happy to arrange private guiding or instruction to suit requirements.
To make a booking please complete the booking enquiry form.