Skilling up for winter.

On Saturday, four new club members bucked the weekend trend by NOT going to Lochnagar, and spending an afternoon in Glenshee learning some winter skills. With thanks to Alex for organising, Andrew, Chellapan, Naomi and myself were treated to the experience of local guide and mountain rescue volunteer Phil Glennie.

Essential skills for winter walks

The theory part of the course was conducted in Braemar mountain rescue post where we were given a grand tour of the facilities. Their arsenal included an indoor climbing wall for the volunteers to use for training, a photo wall displaying an award from the US military and various all terrain vehicles that have served as overnight shelters, ambulances AND delivery rooms for new born babies!

Scattered snowy patches on the hills

Afterwards, we headed out into a very wet Glenshee to play in the disappearing snow patches. The cloud was low but spirits and enthusiasm levels were high as we practised cutting steps and digging avalanche pits. At tea time, Phil pulled out an 8-person all-weather portable shelter (which had successfully sheltered 23 school children the previous week!), just in time to miss a down pour. A little higher up, a nice icy patch gave opportunity for crampon practice before we pace counted back to the dry haven of our cars with promises of hot chocolate.

It was a great day for all involved with heaps learned and we’ll look forward to using our new skills in the hills soon!

Cutting steps can be hard work! Careful!