Intro to snow and Ice climbing course. 21-22 March

Course report:  Ken Lacey
Course: Introduction to Snow and Ice Climbing

Day 1: Saturday 21
At the meeting with the Irena and Elena it turned out that Irena had climbed Mont Blanc from the Cosmiques Hut and they were both undertaking the Seven Summits but Irena had never had formal ice-axe breaking practice.

The weather forecast for Saturday was stunning and the obvious choice was Ben Nevis. As it was a late start we knew it was a late finish. Irena and Elena were both quite happy to have a big day,  finish late and maybe eat in Fort William if we missed the last orders at the hotel but we thought we might make it. The options for the next day with a poorer forecast an early finish (flights) and possibly tired were included in the discussion. We had a stunning day on Ben Nevis and just made the last meals at the Hotel.

Day 2: Sunday 22

We had two options today, Ice Factor and Onich Gorge so lots of time for teaching in contrast to the Ben or SCNL and skills but due to their flight times that would be another “fast day”.

Irena and Elena opted for the Ice Factor they we’re quite tired and definitely felt that they had done two days worth of effort the day before!! Fitting crampons, carrying equipment, rucksack choice, risk awareness, movement skills on ice.

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