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[LennyJ1]

I'm going to the mornes for a training walk with the people I am going to Kili with, Give ya a nod if I see ya.

[chris]

Lol. Right basically I had a chat with one of the guys in work today and he said that if I go to Scotland with no winter mountaineering experience its pretty much a suicide mission! So I think those of us who are planning on going would be wise to look into some sort of course, whether its tullymore or Scotland.
Other than that I know a mountain leader who says he would charge £140 for the day and show us all we need to know (depending on what we get out of a "proper" course I'd be more inclined to give a mate some work). Bear in mind that this trip will probably require the use of at least an ice axe (which you can pick up for around £30) who would still be up for it?

[LandyLiam]

Is that £140 each? 

I'd be happy to go along for a lowland excursion and let the extremists do their climby stuff, but after working outdoors all morning and my wee toes getting very sore with cold i'm not so sure if i'm up to this winter camping 

[MG1]

I think it £140 for a group. I'm still up for this.

It would be good to get a bit of training.

If we got some snow in the Mournes we could do the training there.

[twentyclicks]

I'd be happy to go along for a lowland excursion and let the extremists do their climby stuff

Climbing is something entirely different that I imagine wouldn't be covered by a safety intro.
Navigation, correct use of tools (crampons/axe), cold/heat management, danger awareness and emergency procedures are probably the main bases.

Avalanches occur mostly on moderate 20-40 degree slopes (although even last year there wasn't enough snow for this to be an issue in the Mournes - still stabilised by the heather in most parts).

My "BMC winter essentials" DVD is actually on eBay at the moment if anyone wants it.

If it's only going to be £20 each or so, I'd be up for a little primer.

[666_pack]

any chance of posting a link to the DVD?

[twentyclicks]

any chance of posting a link to the DVD?

Sorry, someone just bought it this morning so prob why you couldn't find it. Went very quick, I should have put a higher price on it 

[chris]

So what are everyones thoughts then? would anyone be up for the course suspect monkey mentioned?

http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/course-wintermountain-skills-display.asp?course_id=38

[LandyLiam]

If dates suited i'd be up for it

[twentyclicks]

So what are everyones thoughts then? would anyone be up for the course suspect monkey mentioned?

Not me. Cant do another full course, already blowing my motorcycle procedes on gear and the Alps course (and have minimal income)!
Could split the cost of a day guide, or just go for a 'tramp & camp' (purely outdoors terms, no sexual connotations  ).  Don't let that stop any other plans, I'm even happy to tag a lift and solo.

[MG1]

The course sounds good, but if we can learn the basics from your mate i'd prefer to do that.

It means we're not tied down till a 2 day course which is going to take up all our time in Scotland.

And its cheaper.

[suspectmonkey]

If its £140 for a group I'd be happy enough to give that a go and take it from there.  Only thing is it's probably fairly pointless doing it at the Tollymore Centre/Mournes unless they are covered in snow at the time.  Not too much point going through the theory if you don't get a chance to put it into practice...

Glenmore Lodge would be my preference, but to be honest I might struggle to get the money together for it, especially considering the courses generally run not long after Christmas and we are all likely to be skint

[MG1]

The cost is always going to be a factor and the lower i can keep the cost the less grieve i'll get for going.

[MG1]

Heres another course in the area slightly cheaper

http://www.activeoutdoorpursuits.com/Default.aspx?page=WinterMountaineeringCourses&gclid=CLvJ6q7dvqUCFUhO4QodOFQoYQ&ContentItemId=59

[666_pack]

so is the plan to do a winter skills course?

[Rugged Track]

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