Download - Ice Factor Winter Courses Brochure
2011 WINTER SEASON
Scottish Winter Courses
ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 2
CONTENTS.........................................................................................................................Location 3
.................................................................................................................Course Ethos 4
..............................................................................................................Which Course? 5...........................................................................................................Dates and Prices 5
..............................................................................Introductory Winter Mountaineering 6
...................................................................................................Winter Mountaineering 7.........................................................................................Private Guiding & Instruction 8
........................................................................................................Instructor & Guides 9.................................................................Accommodation and Travel Arrangements 10
.........................................................................................................................Fitness 11
..............................................Insurance, Bookings, Payment and Pre-Course Admin 11
ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 3
The Mamore Mountains around Loch Leven. The Ice Factor is sandwiched between Ben Nevis and the fabulous Glencoe Mountains.
The Ice FactorWe based the Ice Factor in the
epi-centre of British Mountaineering.
The centre is surrounded by mountains - there are more mountains over 3,000ft in this
immediate area than every national park in England and Wales put
together. This means, choice, variety,
conditions and difficulty to suit
groups of every ability.
The Best Range of Mountains in Britain.
The mountains of Ben Nevis,
Aonach Mor, Glencoe, the Mamores, The Grey Corries, Glen Orchy Hills and Creag Meagaidh are all within
easy striking distance of the Ice Factor. This unrivaled choice ensures
irrespective of weather conditions that there is always an option for the
day. For this reason Lochaber is the main centre of operation for every commercial guiding company
throughout the winter.
Expert InstructionOur instructors and guides, live,
work and play in the West Highlands. Over the past decade we’ve amassed considerable knowledge of the
‘hidden gems’ and built up an enviable reputation for delivering
outstanding mountaineering courses. Ice Factor have probably taught
more people to ice climb than any
organization on the planet and have become a main provider of winter
mountaineering skills courses,
providing a safe, structured and fun introduction to the joy of Scottish
Winter Mountaineering.
It’s fun - you’re on holiday!We know that your time is
precious. There is a lot to cram into a
few short days - so whilst safety dominates our thinking and practices,
we keep focussed on the fun aspect. Sauna and Steam rooms at the
end of each day, hot chocolate in
front of the fire and regular programme of events in The Bothan
bar. Perhaps this is why, year after year, our clients come back to Ice Factor to develop new skills, meet
new friends and to continue their journey of development in the
mountains.
The Outdoor Capital of the UK
ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 4
WINTER 2011Learn..Practice..Lead..
The core objective of an I ce Fac to r W in te r
Course, is to safely impart the knowledge and core skills to facilitate the safe
use of the mountains in winter.
There is a lot to take in, whichever level of course you are on,
Our focus is on quickly t e a c h i n g c o r e s k i l l s ,
allowing you to consolidate those new skills under d i r e c t
supervision and ultimately to have you lead the day.
Courses will always begin with a refresher or introduction to the basics
of safe travel on snowy terrain. Starting with the
correct equipment, we will demonstrate how to use the boot as a tool, safe use
of Ice Axe and how to fit a n d u s e c r a m p o n s .
Moving onto choosing your route/terrain.
W e ’ l l e x p l o r e
avalanche awareness and anticipation. Snow Pack
analysis and tools used to de te rm ine p a c k stabil ity. From
this we’ll m o v e
onto basic rope skills and how to protect on steep
ground. Mountain Weather and
navigation- always a big
issue in winter! - will be covered in detail, allowing
you to use the various resources to opt imum effect.
Courses usually finish with the client’s choice
of route or mountain. The aim is each day
to operate above the snow
line. Give you the knowledge and
empowerment to make sound
mountaineering judgement calls and ultimately to
open up the joys of winter
mountaineering. For some that will be on the many
Munro’s {mountains over 3,000ft} that surround the centre, for others it will be
classic ridges. For the advanced it will be the
classic winter climbs. Irrespective of your course, you will come away with
new skills, new experiences and memories that will last
a life time. During every course,
you will be given the
option of trying a session on the Ice Climbing Wall.
Your instructor will coach you through a detailed session to get you familiar
w i t h be l ay i ng , kno ts , c rampon and ice axe
techn ique , a l l on the Wo r l d ’s B i g g e s t i c e climbing facility.
Sron na Lairig, GLencoe
Snow Bollard - Glencoe
ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 5
Each day will build upon and consolidate prior experience, culminating in you choosing the route/mountain.
Choosing the correct course is vital to get the most out of your S c o t t i s h W i n t e r Experience.
W e s t r o n g l y suggest you speak with
one of our guides or instructors to get the appropr iate course
booked. They will be able to discuss your
past experience, goals and objectives and m a k e t h e m o s t
a p p r o p r i a t e recommendation.
Set Realistic GoalsEvery course will
begin with core winter
m o u n t a i n e e r i n g . Without those skills you w i l l b e u n a b l e t o
progress through the m o r e a d v a n c e d
courses - you need a b e d r o c k o f c o r e knowledge
Safety is ParamountHaving established
the level you currently
operate at, the guide or instructor can work out which course will give
you the best return and outline the optimal way
of achieving your aims and objectives. The course is about you,
but the safety of all will drive every decision
and recommendation
WHICH COURSE?
Stunning view looking out from Stob Coire Nan Lochan, over the Aonach Eagach Ridge, beyond the Mamores to Ben Nevis {obvious whaleback on left} Aonach Mor. More mountains over 3,000ft in this single area than all of England & Wales!
Dates & Prices 2011
WEEKINTRODUCTORY WINTER MOUNTAINEERING - 1:6 RATIOWINTER MOUNTAINEERING - 1:4/2
INTRODUCTORY LONG WEEKEND
1 Sun 16-Fri 21 Jan Fri 21 - Mon 24 Jan
2 Sun 23 Jan-Fri 28 Jan Fri 28 Jan - Mon 31st Jan
3 Sun 30 Jan-Fri 4 Feb Fri 4 - Mon 7 Feb
4 Sun 6 - Fri 11 Feb Fri 11 - Mon 14 Feb
5 Sun 13 - Fri 18 Feb Fri 18 - Mon 21 Feb
6 Sun 20 - Fri 25 Feb Fri 25 - Mon 28th Feb
7 Sun 27 Feb - Fri 5 Mar Fri 4 - Mon 7 Mar
8 Sun 6 - Fri 11 Mar Fri 11 - Mon 14 Mar
9 Sun 13 - Fri 18 Mar Fri 18 - Mon 21 Mar
10 Sun 20 - Fri 25 Mar Fri 25 - Mon 28 Mar
COURSE COURSE PRICE
Introductory Winter Mountaineering £485
Winter Mountaineering £586
Private Guiding {course only} £185 p/d + £20 p/p
Introductory Long Weekend £285
ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 6
Fantastic inversions on the summit of Ben Nevis, fun filled days learning ice axe arrest.
Your instructor will aim to
introduce you to a variety of
mountain areas in order to train,
practice and consolidate a
range of core winter skills.
These will include moving
on steep ground, use of ice axe
and crampons, using the rope
to safeguard the party on steep
ground, choice and
construction of snow and rock
anchors.
The objective is to quickly
impart the knowledge and allow
you to consolidate and practice
in the mountain environment.
Outline ProgrammeDay 1. The course beings
at 6pm on Sunday evening
with a course briefing. This is
an essential element of the
course to provide the
information for the week ahead.
An instructor will discuss
equipment for the following day,
issue hire kit, after dinner there
will be a short presentation on
the mountain environment in
winter.
Day 2 Your introduction to the Sottish Winter Mountains! We will focus on the use of crampons and ice axe, moving on steep ground. Practice of preventing slips and falls then Ice Axe Arrests. During the day we will look at practical assessment of avalanche risk and avoidance techniques.
Day 3 - 6 Mountaineering Days. The objective over the next few days is to get all participants moving comfortably and safely over a variety of mountain terrain.
Throughout your instructor will be focussed on your safety and enjoyment, providing opportunity for practicing and consolidating the core skills you have learned.
Typical ascents over past
years have included:
Ben Nevis via No. 4 Gully
or the Carn Mor Dearg Arete
Stob Coire nan Lochan via
the Zig Zags or Broad Gully
Ascent of Bidean Nam
Bian - highest peak in Argyll
Throughout the focus is on
you the client. Where at all
possible we try to
accommodate the wishes of the
team to include specific
mountains - Buachaille Etive
Mor/Beag, Circuit of the
Mamore Mountains. The Grey
Corries, Aonach Mor. Tell us
what’s on your wish list!
If the weather ‘manks out’
you will be given the option of
an indoor session on the rock
and ice walls, where you will be
provided with a structured
introduction to climbing. These
typically involve belaying,
climbing knots, rope work and
techniques for steep ice
climbing on the World’s Biggest
Indoor Ice Climbing Wall.
Each evening we will aim
to return to the Ice Factor for a
debrief, equipment check,
drying room. Students can use
the sauna/steam room, relax
with a drink in front of the wood
burning stove in our climber’s
Bothan Bar and socialise.
Introductory Winter MountaineeringSunday to Friday - 5 Full Days of Instruction Ratio 1:6
Introductory Winter Mountaineering
This course is designed to address the needs of those with no previous
experience of winter mountaineering or for
those who want a refresher on the core skills needed to walk or
climb safely in the Scottish Winter
Mountains. Excellent technical preparation for overseas trekking
expeds.
Core SkillsThe course covers:
Winter Safety
Equipment for mountaineersNavigation skills
Appraisal of avalanche riskRefresher of any prior skills Boots & Crampon technique
Ice Axe ArrestsSecurity on Steep Ground
Rope WorkBelay Construction Use of Snow Anchors
Emergency Snow Shelters
ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 7
The Ice Factor Winter
Mountaineering Course is
aimed at those who want to
focus more on the technical
and climbing aspects of winter
mountaineering, specifically
advancing through the Scottish
Winter Grades.
Subject to weather and
prevailing conditions we will aim
to take you through a variety of
Scottish Winter Climbs, from
easy angled snow gully routes,
to mixed - rock/ice sections
and ridges.
Outline ProgrammeDay 1. The course beings
at 6pm on Sunday evening
with a course briefing. This is
an essential element of the
course to provide the
information for the week ahead.
An instructor will discuss
equipment for the following day,
issue hire kit, after dinner there
will be a short presentation on
the mountain environment in
winter.
Day 2 A seminal day to consolidate and refresh the core skills. We will focus on the use of crampons and ice axe, moving on steep ground. Practice of preventing slips and falls then Ice Axe Arrests. During the day we will look at practical assessment of avalanche risk and avoidance techniques.
Day 3 Introduction to winter mountaineering - Grade I/II climbing
Day 4-6 Winter Climbing on routes of Grade I/II and III. The choice of route will be dictated by prevailing conditions on the day. Ice Factor instructors live/work and play in the area - so rest assured we’ll find something in ‘nik’.
Typical routes over past
years have included:
Left Hand Twin, Aonach
Mor - Scottish Grade III
Dorsal Arete, Bidian nam
Bian, Glencoe - II/III
Traverse of Carn Mor
Dearg Arete to Ben Nevis - I
Curved Ridge, Buachaille
Etive Mor - II/III
NC Gully - II - Stob Coire
Nan Lochan, Glencoe.
Ledge Route Ben Nevis, II
Where at all possible, your
instructor will seek to
accommodate your wish list of
routes/hills. Prevailing
conditions will dominate the
selection.
If the weather ‘manks out’
you will be given the option of
an indoor session on the rock
and ice walls, where we can
focus on developing your grade
on very steep, overhanging and
mixed ice routes. These
sessions always add value and
help enormously for the outdoor
climber.
Each evening we will aim
to return to the Ice Factor for a
debrief, equipment check,
drying room. Students can use
the sauna/steam room, relax
with a drink in front of the wood
burning stove in our climber’s
Bothan Bar and socialise.
Winter MountaineeringSunday to Friday - 5 Full Days of Instruction - Max Ratio 1:4, 1:2 above Grade II
Winter Mountaineering
Aimed at those with extensive prior experience of the
Scottish Winter Mountains. You must
have completed an introductory level course or accumulated
considerable experience to attend Winter
Mountaineering. The focus is on a quick refresher of core skills
before changing to climbing routes of Grade
I, II and III.
Core SkillsThe course covers:
Winter Safety
Advanced NavigationAvalanche Avoidance
Route SelectionUse of Guide BooksBelay construction
Rock, Ice & Snow anchorsMoving together - roped
Short RopingPitchingWinter Climbing Gear
ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 8
Green Gully IV/3, Waterfall Gully IV, Orion Direct V, 5 ***
Many students opt for the
weekend refresher course,
followed by 2 days of private
guiding. This gives you a
thorough refresher/
understanding of the essential
safety issues, whilst the
remainder is focussed utterly on
your personal wish list. Private
guiding with the Ice Factor
allows you to pick and chose
the days/dates and course
objectives.
For may, this is simply
extending the Long Weekend
Introductory Courses, for others
its a single day with a single
objective - e.g Traverse of the
Aonach Eagach Ridge - II/III.
With the burgeoning
growth in winter climbing, we
increasingly get requests from
university and Mountaineering
Clubs, looking for a specific set
of objectives at a date to suit -
this may be training new club
members, before joining a wider
group on a challenging traverse,
or a very specific itinerary.
The first step is to contact
the Ice Factor and ask for a call
back from one our experienced
winter guides.
They will discuss in detail
your preferences and
expectations and provide a
course structure and itinerary to
suit your specific needs.
Typical ProgrammeDay 1. The course beings
at 6pm on Friday evening with
a course briefing. This is an
essential element of the course
to provide the information for
the week ahead. An instructor
will discuss equipment for the
following day, issue hire kit,
after dinner there will be a short
presentation on the mountain
environment in winter.
Day 2 Your introduction to the Sottish Winter Mountains! We will focus on the use of crampons and ice axe, moving on steep ground. Practice of preventing slips and falls then Ice Axe Arrests. During the day we will look at practical
assessment of avalanche risk and avoidance techniques.
Day 3+ Subject to weather and prevailing conditions, your choice!
Is there a route that you
have always wanted to bag? A
ridge that you’ve always fancied
tackling, a steep ice route that
you want some extra comfort
on. The choice is yours, the
programme is yours.
We don’t forget that days
off are precious and whilst the
focus must always be on safety
and skills transfer, the fun and
social aspect are important too.
Many of our clients have come
year after year, and made many
new friends as a result of an Ice
Factor course.
Each evening we will aim
to return to the Ice Factor for a
debrief, equipment check,
drying room. Students can use
the sauna/steam room, relax
with a drink in front of the wood
burning stove in our climber’s
Bothan Bar and socialise.
Private Guiding & InstructionPrivate Guiding &
Instruction
We understand many climbers don’t have the time to commit to a full
course, equally there are those who finish a
refresher course and want to get their teeth into more challenging
ground. Private Guiding gives
you the flexibility to add days, work around your diary and focus purely
on your requirements.
Core SkillsThe course covers:
Winter Safety
Equipment for mountaineersNavigation skills
Appraisal of avalanche riskRefresher of any prior skills Boots & Crampon technique
Ice Axe ArrestsSecurity on Steep Ground
Rope WorkBelay Construction Use of Snow Anchors
Emergency Snow Shelters
ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 9
Ice Factor InstructorsEvery Ice Factor instructor is a passionate climber. Some are
outstanding on rock, some on ice and snow, but the common passion is love of the Scottish Mountains. Some are gnarly and weather beaten! With decades of mountaineering
expertise gathered in locations from the Canadian Rockies, European Alps, High Tatra Mountains, Chinese Himalaya, Norwegian Ice, Arctic
and Antarctic, Afghanistan to Mongolia. Others still flushed with youthful exuberance are cutting their teeth on the great Scottish Game whilst progressing through their NGB awards from Mountain Leader
towards Mountaineering Instructor.Our resident MIC’s will select the most appropriate instructor{s} for
your course - blending the right expertise, with the skills required for your specific group, to ensure your course is safe, professional and fun!
Our Instructors
ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 10
Course student briefing at the Ice Factor. Relax at the end of each day in our sauna & steam rooms, unwind with a gourmet coffee or chat in the climber’s bar with wood-burning stove
AccommodationYou will be accommodated in the
4 star climber’s bunkhouse behind
the Ice Factor. All rooms are en-suite, with TV room, drying room and common rooms. Sauna & Steam
rooms are available in the centre for your use, throughout the course.
Your course includes full board - full cooked highland breakfast, lunch, hot chocolate off the hill, and 3
course meal each evening - including arrival and departure evenings.
Dinner is served at 7pm each evening and consists of a hearty three-course meal plus coffee.
Centre staff will provide a regular programme of evening lectures,
mountain skills movies, discussion or just an informal chat over a drink in front of the wood burning stove -
attendance of the first evening lecture is mandatory. The social element is
an important part of your course, designed to give you the very best of
highland hospitality - look out for the live music!
The village of Kinlochleven is well served with bank, post office and Co-Op. For those students on courses
during February there is a nightly itinerary for the Fort William Mountain
Film Festival.
Travel ArrangementsCourse members should make
their own travel arrangements to and
from the Ice Factor, Kinlochleven. There is a regular bus and train
service from Glasgow and Inverness to Glencoe - please contact the centre staff if you are arriving by bus
and we will arrange to collect you from Glencoe. There are a range of
low cost carriers flying into Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness from across the UK. Bus, Train and Flight
schedules will be included with your joining instructions.
Equipment and Gear RequiredA detailed equipment list is sent
to you with your booking
confirmation. We will provide all group climbing and specialist equipment - ropes and hardware. As
part of your course you will be provided with crampons, helmets and
ice axe free of charge.We encourage all students to
bring their own boots. If you do not
have appropriate B2 winter boots you can either hire them from us -£5 per
day/£25 per week or benefit from special client discount in the Ice Factor Shop. Clients on Winter
Mountaineering/Private Guiding courses will generally require B3 -
fully stiffened boots. All Ice Factor Clients qualify for a
15% discount for purchases from the
shop. The shop carries all the key brands including Haglofs, Scarpa,
Grivel, Montane and Rab.
Details
ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 11
Ice Factor Outdoor Equipment Shop - Client get a 15% discount, Inside Bothan Bar and Bistro, Ice Factor Entrance.
FitnessBefore attending a Scottish
Winter Course, you should ensure
you are fit enough to take part in the programme. Winter Mountaineering is extremely arduous. Simply put, the
fitter you are, the more you are likely to enjoy and get the full benefit of
your course. Daily we will be carrying large packs into the hills, routinely for 7+ hours. A typical Ice Factor Winter
Course will include 15-18km of walking and an average of 1,000m in
cumulative ascent. Consider the effects of doing this repeatedly over several days.
Build up some residual fitness before your course, regular cycling,
walking and swimming are all excellent training. Prior to arrival you should be comfortable with walking
15km, carrying 15kg of weight. The more prepared you are, the more you
will get out of your course.
InsurancePlease read the Booking
Conditions carefully, complete, sign,
date and post back to Ice Factor - Winter Courses. There will be a £150 non-refundable deposit required for
any course. We always try to accommodate clients if there is an
un-foreseen circumstance, but would always advise you to take out appropriate personal accident and
cancellation insurance. Payment by Debit or Credit card
is the safest and best way to book. Please note, your course must be paid for in full a min of 30 days before
the course is due to commence. After receiving payment we will send you a
full course programme, joining instructions and detailed personal equipment list.
We will ask you to complete a detailed personal experience
questionnaire to determine your level of expertise. Please complete with
your current hillwalking, mountaineering and climbing
experience, this will allow us to ensure you are aligned with the correct course/instructor.
And Finally....Training and research, booking
time away and the costs of a Winter Mountaineering Course require major commitment. You can be assured
that your commitment to us will be reciprocated - you will finish you
course empowered, enthused, with a raft of new skills, memories and hopefully new friends to last a life
time. We look forward to giving you the warmest of welcomes!
Contact Ice Factor on:Tel: +44(0) 1855 831 100Fax: +44(0) 1855 831 762
Email: [email protected]: www.ice-factor.co.uk
Details