With winter just round the corner, climbers have the chance to learn all about ice techniques at two events next month.
Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s national outdoor training centre, is offering the chance to brush up on equipment and techniques for climbing steep waterfall ice. Staff from the centre will be running the sessions.
The first event is at Tiso’s Great Outdoor Experience in Glasgow and will involve theory and practice as well as a short slide show. There will be a chance to learn about gear such as crampons, ice screws and ice tools. The event is free, but if you want to take part in the practical sessions, you’ll need to book with the Great Outdoor Experience, as places are limited to eight per session. 18 November is the date and the two sessions start at 10am and 1.30pm, lasting 2½ hours each.
The following week, the venue is Kinlochleven’s The Ice Factor. Only eight places are available for this course, at a cost of £60. Coaches will be on hand to lead you through techniques and equipment for waterfall ice climbing. Technical gear and instruction are included in the fee. Contact Glenmore Lodge direct on 01479 861256 if you fancy a crack at the session, which starts at 10am on 25 November.