What Mountaincraft participants learn

A range of skills sets are acquired during the Winter Mountaincraft Course. These include:

1./ Living above the snowline " Winter Camp-craft" in this skills set participants learn what equipment is necessary for Mountain survival and how to competently use the equipment. In this component we focus on ensuring competence in a diverse range of basic skills including cooking and nutrition, proper hydration including how to collect water, how to establish and maintain a viable camp and importantly how to get moving prompting in the mornings. We endorse the underpinning principle that if you can't look after yourself in the mountains it will be more than challenging to look after a patient as well.

2./ The second skill set relate to the use of the conditions and terrain above the snowline for shelter. In this segment participants will learn how to construct snow shelters including snow-caves, snow-domes, snow-trenches and rock and snow bivvies.

3./ Skill set three is framed around the safe movement in snow and ice conditions. Skills practiced in this segment will include the use of an ice-axe for self arresting , the use of crampons, the use of belay devices including boot-axe, snow-stake and other anchors. Included in this component participant will learn how to climb while being roped together and other rescue skills.

4./ The fourth skill set is best and most simply described as navigation "when you can't see you hand in front of your face". Practical instruction is provided on navigation in the mountains in conditions of limited visibility and in varying terrain.

5./ The last skill set is framed around the safe use of rescue devices such as the Thermal Recovery capsule, SKED stretcher and special portable rescue and medical devices including Kendrick Traction Device, SAM Splint, Biolog 3000 ECG monitor

Once all skills set have been practiced the course culminates with a rescue simulation that will allow participants to practice all skill sets.