Mountaineering Instructor Certificate Training
  • Scotland
  • 5 Days
  • 4 People to 1 instructor

Mountaineering Instructor Certificate Training

  • Climb
  • Mountaineering
  • Mountain Training Award
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Overview

You want to instruct mountaineering and climbing skills in winter conditions in the UK and Ireland. This five day training course covers all the essential aspects of the syllabus for the Mountaineering Instructor Certificate. You'll learn from the top specialists in their field to reach your goal. You'll gain many new climbing and mountaineering skills, develop your judgement, and gain an understanding of the standard of the qualification.You'll cover topics such as; snowpack evaluation, short roping, personal movement, route choice and teaching strategies. The day's practical activities out in the mountains are supplemented by evening lectures and activities to enhance your knowledge. This course will be delivered from our scenic winter base in Scotland, the Alltshellach hotel in North Ballachulish.

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Can I book privately?

Yes. If you would like to book a private course then give us a call to discuss your needs.

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The Objectives

You'll leave the course inspired and motivated to progress on to your Mountaineering Instructor Certificate Assessment. Through feedback and reflection you'll gain a clear understanding of your current abilities and an action plan towards assessment.

Itinerary

* Please note: Itinerary is subject to weather and availability.

We Work with the Mountain Training Syllabus,

concentrating on areas that are difficult for you to learn on your own. The five days are generally split as follows;

Snowcraft/ Ice Craft/ snow belays

Emphasis on teaching and coaching fundamental skills

Mountaineering

Emphasis on personal movement, short roping, route choice etc

Personal Climbing

Emphasis on basic ropework, anchor placement and stance management. It is anticipated routes of grade III or above will be climbed on this day

Guiding Winter Routes

Emphasis on guiding students on winter routes up to Grade III

Teaching Winter Climbing

Emphasis on teaching and coaching techniques on the move

There will be evening classroom or centre based sessions, covering some of the more theoretical aspects of the syllabus, including

Snow and avalanche awareness, snow and weather interpretation, planning a teaching day, discussion of consolidation period – outline of assessment course, course review and individual feedback

Experience Required

To help you operate safely and effectively on the training course, and to maximise your learning, Mountain Training and Plas y Brenin recommend you have;

  • Updated your Dlog to accurately reflect experience post successful Winter Mountain Leader and Mountaineering Instructor Award assessments
  • Confidently climbed grade three winter climbs, or above, within the month leading up to your training course
  • Climbed a variety of easier graded climbs and mountaineering routes, ideally roped for some or all
  • Recent leadership experience as a Winter Mountain Leader and Mountaineering Instructor
  • A fitness level that is able to cope with five continuous big days on the hill in the Scottish Winter.

If your registration has been approved but you are not sure that you are ready for training please contact Mountain Training or Plas y Brenin to discuss your next best step. You must be registered on the Mountaineering Instructor Certificate scheme with Mountain Training prior to booking this course and have the required experience. The greater the level of experience a candidate has beyond the minimum requirements the more they are likely to benefit from the training course.

It's going to be hard work but, lets get cracking…

We want to help you to achieve your goals so if you're staying with us, comfortable accommodation (with WIFI included) and home-cooked food are part of the deal, you don't need to think about sorting this out for yourself. Your equipment hire, including snow safety equipment is included, as is in-course transport and parking. Support is on hand from our friendly, and exceptionally well qualified staff, to help develop your understanding and personal skills. They also help you to formulate an appropriate action plan for your further development. The address of Plas y Brenin in Scotland is HF Holidays Alltshellach, Onich, Fort William, Inverness-shire PH33 6SA.

What do I need to bring?
Equipment List
How should I prepare?
Preparation guide
  • Personal mountain clothing including hats, gloves, mitts etc.
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers/salopettes
  • Mountaineering boots
  • Gaiters
  • Crampons (with anti-balling plates)
  • Ice axes and hammer
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Climbing rack & prussiks
  • Rucksack
  • Snow goggles
  • Headtorch
  • Compass (Silva Expedition 4 recommended)
  • First aid kit and blister kit
  • OS Landranger No 41 1:50,000 Ben Nevis (ideally laminated if not bring a map case) OS Explorer No 392 1:25,000 Ben Nevis and Fort William (ideally laminated if not bring a map case) OS Explorer No 384 1:50,000 Glencoe and Glen Etive (ideally laminated if not bring a map case)
  • Appropriate guide books
  • Snow shovel
  • Flask
  • Lunch box/bag
  • Alltshellach has a pool - so don't forget your swimming kit!
  • Plas y Brenin will provide all ropes for use during the course.
You must be registered on the Mountaineering Instructor Certificate scheme with Mountain Training prior to attending this course and have the required experience. Candidates who have only the minimum experience are unlikely to benefit fully from either the training or assessment course.
Course Schedule

Start your training

Sorry, we don’t have any spaces available right now.

Please get in touch for more information about future availability.

This course will help you become

A Mountaineering Instructor Certificate holder

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