My first experience working as a Winter ML on a two day intro skills course with Mick Jones.
A large group of 10 clients - from real novices to SMLs wanting a taste of winter.
Forecast was dire with storm Eric coming in. A big thaw from the previous weekend
Mick, myself and Ant Mayer (another WML helping on the course) met to look at options. We decided on A' Chailleach above Newtonmore which would shield us from the westerleys. Avalanche forecast was moderate and we could see evidence of cross loading. However the snow was very patchy (and soft) lower down on unfrozen ground.
But we found some corridors in stream gulleys where we could look at movement skills, using the axe, holding the axe, efficient walking with a group, self belay etc. Great day out!
The winds were not as fierce as expected so we went a bit higher than anticipated to get some harder snow.
Area :
The Cairngorms
The Cairngorms are ‘a little piece of the arctic in Scotland’ according to the SMC Munros Guide and the area contains many of the tallest peaks in the East Highlands. Ben Macdui (1309m), Cairn Gorm (1244m) and Braeriach (1296) are probably three of the better known and the whole area is full of steep corries and high plateaux. Access to the mountains is typically from Aviemore or Braemar.
