21st Feb, Winter Mountaineering Aonach Mor

Today I am working for Adventure Peaks on their two day winter Mountaineering Course along with Chris Walker.

The weather was warmer and wetter than than forecast and the snow pack was thawing quickly. Perhaps wellies instead of boots would be required.

We decided to take our group onto the Nid Ridge area of Aonach Mor today to teach them the basic snow and rope skills they would require for winter mountaineering on day 2.




The group learned how to rope up to ascend steep slopes using various forms of snow belays.




Digging a large snow bollard which we will use to set up a retrievable absail to descend the slope.





Preparing a bucket seat belay reiforced with a buried axe

We also looked at various forms of snow shelters. Yorkshire crawling out of one of the shovel ups that someone had previously constructed. This shelter was big enough for 4 people.

The wind strength appeared to have increased during the day but fortunately for us the Gondala was still running and we were able to get a lift back into the valley.