Ice Factor Winter Courses Brochure

2011 WINTER SEASON

Scottish Winter Courses

ICE FACTOR WINTER MOUNTAINEERING COURSES SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre - www.ice-factor.co.uk, [email protected] Page 2

CONTENTS.........................................................................................................................Location 3

.................................................................................................................Course Ethos 4

..............................................................................................................Which Course? 5...........................................................................................................Dates and Prices 5

..............................................................................Introductory Winter Mountaineering 6

...................................................................................................Winter Mountaineering 7.........................................................................................Private Guiding & Instruction 8

........................................................................................................Instructor & Guides 9.................................................................Accommodation and Travel Arrangements 10

.........................................................................................................................Fitness 11

..............................................Insurance, Bookings, Payment and Pre-Course Admin 11

http://www.ice-factor.co.uk


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The Mamore Mountains around Loch Leven. The Ice Factor is sandwiched between Ben Nevis and the fabulous Glencoe Mountains.

The Ice FactorWe based the Ice Factor in the

epi-centre of British Mountaineering.

The centre is surrounded by mountains - there are more mountains over 3,000ft in this

immediate area than every national park in England and Wales put

together. This means, choice, variety,

conditions and difficulty to suit

groups of every ability.

The Best Range of Mountains in Britain.

The mountains of Ben Nevis,

Aonach Mor, Glencoe, the Mamores, The Grey Corries, Glen Orchy Hills and Creag Meagaidh are all within

easy striking distance of the Ice Factor. This unrivaled choice ensures

irrespective of weather conditions that there is always an option for the

day. For this reason Lochaber is the main centre of operation for every commercial guiding company

throughout the winter.

Expert InstructionOur instructors and guides, live,

work and play in the West Highlands. Over the past decade we’ve amassed considerable knowledge of the

‘hidden gems’ and built up an enviable reputation for delivering

outstanding mountaineering courses. Ice Factor have probably taught

more people to ice climb than any

organization on the planet and have become a main provider of winter

mountaineering skills courses,

providing a safe, structured and fun introduction to the joy of Scottish

Winter Mountaineering.

It’s fun - you’re on holiday!We know that your time is

precious. There is a lot to cram into a

few short days - so whilst safety dominates our thinking and practices,

we keep focussed on the fun aspect. Sauna and Steam rooms at the

end of each day, hot chocolate in

front of the fire and regular programme of events in The Bothan

bar. Perhaps this is why, year after year, our clients come back to Ice Factor to develop new skills, meet

new friends and to continue their journey of development in the

mountains.

The Outdoor Capital of the UK







WINTER 2011Learn..Practice..Lead..

The core objective of an I ce Fac to r W in te r

Course, is to safely impart the knowledge and core skills to facilitate the safe

use of the mountains in winter.

There is a lot to take in, whichever level of course you are on,

Our focus is on quickly t e a c h i n g c o r e s k i l l s ,

allowing you to consolidate those new skills under d i r e c t

supervision and ultimately to have you lead the day.

Courses will always begin with a refresher or introduction to the basics

of safe travel on snowy terrain. Starting with the

correct equipment, we will demonstrate how to use the boot as a tool, safe use

of Ice Axe and how to fit a n d u s e c r a m p o n s .

Moving onto choosing your route/terrain.

W e ’ l l e x p l o r e

avalanche awareness and anticipation. Snow Pack

analysis and tools used to de te rm ine p a c k stabil ity. From

this we’ll m o v e

onto basic rope skills and how to protect on steep

ground. Mountain Weather and

navigation- always a big

issue in winter! - will be covered in detail, allowing

you to use the various resources to opt imum effect.

Courses usually finish with the client’s choice

of route or mountain. The aim is each day

to operate above the snow

line. Give you the knowledge and

empowerment to make sound

mountaineering judgement calls and ultimately to

open up the joys of winter

mountaineering. For some that will be on the many

Munro’s {mountains over 3,000ft} that surround the centre, for others it will be

classic ridges. For the advanced it will be the

classic winter climbs. Irrespective of your course, you will come away with

new skills, new experiences and memories that will last

a life time. During every course,

you will be given the

option of trying a session on the Ice Climbing Wall.

Your instructor will coach you through a detailed session to get you familiar

w i t h be l ay i ng , kno ts , c rampon and ice axe

techn ique , a l l on the Wo r l d ’s B i g g e s t i c e climbing facility.

Sron na Lairig, GLencoe

Snow Bollard - Glencoe







Each day will build upon and consolidate prior experience, culminating in you choosing the route/mountain.

Choosing the correct course is vital to get the most out of your S c o t t i s h W i n t e r Experience.

W e s t r o n g l y suggest you speak with

one of our guides or instructors to get the appropr iate course

booked. They will be able to discuss your

past experience, goals and objectives and m a k e t h e m o s t

a p p r o p r i a t e recommendation.

Set Realistic GoalsEvery course will

begin with core winter

m o u n t a i n e e r i n g . Without those skills you w i l l b e u n a b l e t o

progress through the m o r e a d v a n c e d

courses - you need a b e d r o c k o f c o r e knowledge

Safety is ParamountHaving established

the level you currently

operate at, the guide or instructor can work out which course will give

you the best return and outline the optimal way

of achieving your aims and objectives. The course is about you,

but the safety of all will drive every decision

and recommendation

WHICH COURSE?

Stunning view looking out from Stob Coire Nan Lochan, over the Aonach Eagach Ridge, beyond the Mamores to Ben Nevis {obvious whaleback on left} Aonach Mor. More mountains over 3,000ft in this single area than all of England & Wales!

Dates & Prices 2011

WEEKINTRODUCTORY WINTER MOUNTAINEERING - 1:6 RATIOWINTER MOUNTAINEERING - 1:4/2

INTRODUCTORY LONG WEEKEND

1 Sun 16-Fri 21 Jan Fri 21 - Mon 24 Jan

2 Sun 23 Jan-Fri 28 Jan Fri 28 Jan - Mon 31st Jan

3 Sun 30 Jan-Fri 4 Feb Fri 4 - Mon 7 Feb

4 Sun 6 - Fri 11 Feb Fri 11 - Mon 14 Feb

5 Sun 13 - Fri 18 Feb Fri 18 - Mon 21 Feb

6 Sun 20 - Fri 25 Feb Fri 25 - Mon 28th Feb

7 Sun 27 Feb - Fri 5 Mar Fri 4 - Mon 7 Mar

8 Sun 6 - Fri 11 Mar Fri 11 - Mon 14 Mar



COURSE COURSE PRICE

Introductory Winter Mountaineering £485

Winter Mountaineering £586

Private Guiding {course only} £185 p/d + £20 p/p

Introductory Long Weekend £285







Fantastic inversions on the summit of Ben Nevis, fun filled days learning ice axe arrest.

Your instructor will aim to

introduce you to a variety of

mountain areas in order to train,

practice and consolidate a

range of core winter skills.

These will include moving

on steep ground, use of ice axe

and crampons, using the rope

to safeguard the party on steep

ground, choice and

construction of snow and rock

anchors.

The objective is to quickly

impart the knowledge and allow

you to consolidate and practice

in the mountain environment.

Outline ProgrammeDay 1. The course beings

at 6pm on Sunday evening

with a course briefing. This is

an essential element of the

course to provide the

information for the week ahead.

An instructor will discuss

equipment for the following day,

issue hire kit, after dinner there

will be a short presentation on

the mountain environment in

winter.

Day 2 Your introduction to the Sottish Winter Mountains! We will focus on the use of crampons and ice axe, moving on steep ground. Practice of preventing slips and falls then Ice Axe Arrests. During the day we will look at practical assessment of avalanche risk and avoidance techniques.

Day 3 - 6 Mountaineering Days. The objective over the next few days is to get all participants moving comfortably and safely over a variety of mountain terrain.

Throughout your instructor will be focussed on your safety and enjoyment, providing opportunity for practicing and consolidating the core skills you have learned.

Typical ascents over past

years have included:

Ben Nevis via No. 4 Gully

or the Carn Mor Dearg Arete

Stob Coire nan Lochan via

the Zig Zags or Broad Gully

Ascent of Bidean Nam

Bian - highest peak in Argyll

Throughout the focus is on

you the client. Where at all

possible we try to

accommodate the wishes of the

team to include specific

mountains - Buachaille Etive

Mor/Beag, Circuit of the

Mamore Mountains. The Grey

Corries, Aonach Mor. Tell us

what’s on your wish list!

If the weather ‘manks out’

you will be given the option of

an indoor session on the rock

and ice walls, where you will be

provided with a structured

introduction to climbing. These

typically involve belaying,

climbing knots, rope work and

techniques for steep ice

climbing on the World’s Biggest

Indoor Ice Climbing Wall.

Each evening we will aim

to return to the Ice Factor for a

debrief, equipment check,

drying room. Students can use

the sauna/steam room, relax

with a drink in front of the wood

burning stove in our climber’s

Bothan Bar and socialise.

Introductory Winter MountaineeringSunday to Friday - 5 Full Days of Instruction Ratio 1:6

Introductory Winter Mountaineering

This course is designed to address the needs of those with no previous

experience of winter mountaineering or for

those who want a refresher on the core skills needed to walk or

climb safely in the Scottish Winter

Mountains. Excellent technical preparation for overseas trekking

expeds.

Core SkillsThe course covers:

Winter Safety

Equipment for mountaineersNavigation skills

Appraisal of avalanche riskRefresher of any prior skills Boots & Crampon technique

Ice Axe ArrestsSecurity on Steep Ground

Rope WorkBelay Construction Use of Snow Anchors

Emergency Snow Shelters







The Ice Factor Winter

Mountaineering Course is

aimed at those who want to

focus more on the technical

and climbing aspects of winter

mountaineering, specifically

advancing through the Scottish

Winter Grades.

Subject to weather and

prevailing conditions we will aim

to take you through a variety of

Scottish Winter Climbs, from

easy angled snow gully routes,

to mixed - rock/ice sections

and ridges.

Outline ProgrammeDay 1. The course beings

at 6pm on Sunday evening

with a course briefing. This is

an essential element of the

course to provide the

information for the week ahead.

An instructor will discuss

equipment for the following day,

issue hire kit, after dinner there

will be a short presentation on

the mountain environment in

winter.

Day 2 A seminal day to consolidate and refresh the core skills. We will focus on the use of crampons and ice axe, moving on steep ground. Practice of preventing slips and falls then Ice Axe Arrests. During the day we will look at practical assessment of avalanche risk and avoidance techniques.

Day 3 Introduction to winter mountaineering - Grade I/II climbing

Day 4-6 Winter Climbing on routes of Grade I/II and III. The choice of route will be dictated by prevailing conditions on the day. Ice Factor instructors live/work and play in the area - so rest assured we’ll find something in ‘nik’.

Typical routes over past

years have included:

Left Hand Twin, Aonach

Mor - Scottish Grade III

Dorsal Arete, Bidian nam

Bian, Glencoe - II/III

Traverse of Carn Mor

Dearg Arete to Ben Nevis - I

Curved Ridge, Buachaille

Etive Mor - II/III

NC Gully - II - Stob Coire

Nan Lochan, Glencoe.

Ledge Route Ben Nevis, II

Where at all possible, your

instructor will seek to

accommodate your wish list of

routes/hills. Prevailing

conditions will dominate the

selection.

If the weather ‘manks out’

you will be given the option of

an indoor session on the rock

and ice walls, where we can

focus on developing your grade

on very steep, overhanging and

mixed ice routes. These

sessions always add value and

help enormously for the outdoor

climber.









Winter MountaineeringSunday to Friday - 5 Full Days of Instruction - Max Ratio 1:4, 1:2 above Grade II

Winter Mountaineering

Aimed at those with extensive prior experience of the

Scottish Winter Mountains. You must

have completed an introductory level course or accumulated

considerable experience to attend Winter

Mountaineering. The focus is on a quick refresher of core skills

before changing to climbing routes of Grade

I, II and III.


Winter Safety

Advanced NavigationAvalanche Avoidance

Route SelectionUse of Guide BooksBelay construction

Rock, Ice & Snow anchorsMoving together - roped

Short RopingPitchingWinter Climbing Gear







Green Gully IV/3, Waterfall Gully IV, Orion Direct V, 5 ***

Many students opt for the

weekend refresher course,

followed by 2 days of private

guiding. This gives you a

thorough refresher/

understanding of the essential

safety issues, whilst the

remainder is focussed utterly on

your personal wish list. Private

guiding with the Ice Factor

allows you to pick and chose

the days/dates and course

objectives.

For may, this is simply

extending the Long Weekend

Introductory Courses, for others

its a single day with a single

objective - e.g Traverse of the

Aonach Eagach Ridge - II/III.

With the burgeoning

growth in winter climbing, we

increasingly get requests from

university and Mountaineering

Clubs, looking for a specific set

of objectives at a date to suit -

this may be training new club

members, before joining a wider

group on a challenging traverse,

or a very specific itinerary.

The first step is to contact

the Ice Factor and ask for a call

back from one our experienced

winter guides.

They will discuss in detail

your preferences and

expectations and provide a

course structure and itinerary to

suit your specific needs.

Typical ProgrammeDay 1. The course beings

at 6pm on Friday evening with

a course briefing. This is an

essential element of the course

to provide the information for

the week ahead. An instructor

will discuss equipment for the

following day, issue hire kit,

after dinner there will be a short

presentation on the mountain

environment in winter.

Day 2 Your introduction to the Sottish Winter Mountains! We will focus on the use of crampons and ice axe, moving on steep ground. Practice of preventing slips and falls then Ice Axe Arrests. During the day we will look at practical

assessment of avalanche risk and avoidance techniques.

Day 3+ Subject to weather and prevailing conditions, your choice!

Is there a route that you

have always wanted to bag? A

ridge that you’ve always fancied

tackling, a steep ice route that

you want some extra comfort

on. The choice is yours, the

programme is yours.

We don’t forget that days

off are precious and whilst the

focus must always be on safety

and skills transfer, the fun and

social aspect are important too.

Many of our clients have come

year after year, and made many

new friends as a result of an Ice

Factor course.









Private Guiding & InstructionPrivate Guiding &

Instruction

We understand many climbers don’t have the time to commit to a full

course, equally there are those who finish a

refresher course and want to get their teeth into more challenging

ground. Private Guiding gives

you the flexibility to add days, work around your diary and focus purely

on your requirements.


Winter Safety

Equipment for mountaineersNavigation skills

Appraisal of avalanche riskRefresher of any prior skills Boots & Crampon technique

Ice Axe ArrestsSecurity on Steep Ground

Rope WorkBelay Construction Use of Snow Anchors

Emergency Snow Shelters







Ice Factor InstructorsEvery Ice Factor instructor is a passionate climber. Some are

outstanding on rock, some on ice and snow, but the common passion is love of the Scottish Mountains. Some are gnarly and weather beaten! With decades of mountaineering

expertise gathered in locations from the Canadian Rockies, European Alps, High Tatra Mountains, Chinese Himalaya, Norwegian Ice, Arctic

and Antarctic, Afghanistan to Mongolia. Others still flushed with youthful exuberance are cutting their teeth on the great Scottish Game whilst progressing through their NGB awards from Mountain Leader

towards Mountaineering Instructor.Our resident MIC’s will select the most appropriate instructor{s} for

your course - blending the right expertise, with the skills required for your specific group, to ensure your course is safe, professional and fun!

Our Instructors







Course student briefing at the Ice Factor. Relax at the end of each day in our sauna & steam rooms, unwind with a gourmet coffee or chat in the climber’s bar with wood-burning stove

AccommodationYou will be accommodated in the

4 star climber’s bunkhouse behind

the Ice Factor. All rooms are en-suite, with TV room, drying room and common rooms. Sauna & Steam

rooms are available in the centre for your use, throughout the course.

Your course includes full board - full cooked highland breakfast, lunch, hot chocolate off the hill, and 3

course meal each evening - including arrival and departure evenings.

Dinner is served at 7pm each evening and consists of a hearty three-course meal plus coffee.

Centre staff will provide a regular programme of evening lectures,

mountain skills movies, discussion or just an informal chat over a drink in front of the wood burning stove -

attendance of the first evening lecture is mandatory. The social element is

an important part of your course, designed to give you the very best of

highland hospitality - look out for the live music!

The village of Kinlochleven is well served with bank, post office and Co-Op. For those students on courses

during February there is a nightly itinerary for the Fort William Mountain

Film Festival.

Travel ArrangementsCourse members should make

their own travel arrangements to and

from the Ice Factor, Kinlochleven. There is a regular bus and train

service from Glasgow and Inverness to Glencoe - please contact the centre staff if you are arriving by bus

and we will arrange to collect you from Glencoe. There are a range of

low cost carriers flying into Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness from across the UK. Bus, Train and Flight

schedules will be included with your joining instructions.

Equipment and Gear RequiredA detailed equipment list is sent

to you with your booking

confirmation. We will provide all group climbing and specialist equipment - ropes and hardware. As

part of your course you will be provided with crampons, helmets and

ice axe free of charge.We encourage all students to

bring their own boots. If you do not

have appropriate B2 winter boots you can either hire them from us -£5 per

day/£25 per week or benefit from special client discount in the Ice Factor Shop. Clients on Winter

Mountaineering/Private Guiding courses will generally require B3 -

fully stiffened boots. All Ice Factor Clients qualify for a

15% discount for purchases from the

shop. The shop carries all the key brands including Haglofs, Scarpa,

Grivel, Montane and Rab.

Details







Ice Factor Outdoor Equipment Shop - Client get a 15% discount, Inside Bothan Bar and Bistro, Ice Factor Entrance.

FitnessBefore attending a Scottish

Winter Course, you should ensure

you are fit enough to take part in the programme. Winter Mountaineering is extremely arduous. Simply put, the

fitter you are, the more you are likely to enjoy and get the full benefit of

your course. Daily we will be carrying large packs into the hills, routinely for 7+ hours. A typical Ice Factor Winter

Course will include 15-18km of walking and an average of 1,000m in

cumulative ascent. Consider the effects of doing this repeatedly over several days.

Build up some residual fitness before your course, regular cycling,

walking and swimming are all excellent training. Prior to arrival you should be comfortable with walking

15km, carrying 15kg of weight. The more prepared you are, the more you

will get out of your course.

InsurancePlease read the Booking

Conditions carefully, complete, sign,

date and post back to Ice Factor - Winter Courses. There will be a £150 non-refundable deposit required for

any course. We always try to accommodate clients if there is an

un-foreseen circumstance, but would always advise you to take out appropriate personal accident and

cancellation insurance. Payment by Debit or Credit card

is the safest and best way to book. Please note, your course must be paid for in full a min of 30 days before

the course is due to commence. After receiving payment we will send you a

full course programme, joining instructions and detailed personal equipment list.

We will ask you to complete a detailed personal experience

questionnaire to determine your level of expertise. Please complete with

your current hillwalking, mountaineering and climbing

experience, this will allow us to ensure you are aligned with the correct course/instructor.

And Finally....Training and research, booking

time away and the costs of a Winter Mountaineering Course require major commitment. You can be assured

that your commitment to us will be reciprocated - you will finish you

course empowered, enthused, with a raft of new skills, memories and hopefully new friends to last a life

time. We look forward to giving you the warmest of welcomes!

Contact Ice Factor on:Tel: +44(0) 1855 831 100Fax: +44(0) 1855 831 762

Email: [email protected]: www.ice-factor.co.uk

Details









Documents

Ice Factor Winter Courses Brochure