Winter meet 2023

This is for members who have booked a deposit or have arranged their own accommodation and let the meet organiser know.

The first SCC meet of 2023 will be the Winter meet.

Who?

This meet is suitable for all willing to take on the winter mountain experience. Some hill walking fitness is required and there is certain gear you cannot do without but can be borrowed / hired.

We will organise training for those who have never been out in the mountain in winter before to cover the basics of ‘Winter Skills’.

If there is enough interest we may also organise further training to cover more extensive knowledge of winter mountaineering.

What?

This meet is very open and there are a huge range of activities available.

From low level walking, to hill walking, to exposed ridge traverses, to grade I and II gully climbing to gnarly grade III and above mixed and ice climbing there is something for everyone on this trip. Oh, and sometimes skiing / snowboarding….

As the title says this is a winter trip and it is in the mountains. As such certain skills are required and it will be cold, wet, claggy, icy, and sunny, sometimes all in the same day.

We will be offering training, for at least ‘Winter Skills’ level as we have in the past. This is for those who have little experience in the winter mountains and need to learn. If there is interest we will also organise training for the more experienced.

Where?

We have booked accommodation at the Aviemore Youth Hostel.

We have reserved 18 places in 3 dorms of 6 each.

Aviemore is very close to Cairngorm Mountain which is host to plenty of winter walking and climbing. It also has plenty of facilities such as shops, gear shops and pubs.

When?

We have booked the hostel from Saturday 18th February 2023 – Saturday 25th February 2023.

Cost

The accommodation for this meet will be £150 per person for the week.
We will ask for an initial £50 deposit with the remainder due 1st December 2022.

Training costs will be finalised at a later date.

Members will also need to arrange their own travel to and from the hostel.

Members will need to arrange their food for the week – there is a fully equipped kitchen onsite and local shops and pubs.

PLEASE NOTE – By paying for this meet you are committing to attending the meet. If you cannot attend we will not be able to refund you. 

If the meet sells out and you cannot attend, you can then attempt to sell your space to another club member. Only once they have paid for the meet will you be able to get a refund for any money paid.

Equipment

The winter meet requires you have a certain level of equipment. Some of this can be borrowed / hire. SCC have a stock of crampons and ice axes which can be borrowed by members.

Essential equipment for all members:

• Waterproof shell (trousers & jacket)
• Mid layers, fleece ideal
• Base layers – top and bottom high wicking fabric (not cotton)
• Synthetic/down jacket (to keep you warm when not moving – synthetic is better in Scotland as it will not absorb water like down)
• Mountaineering boots (At least B1 or above/crampon compatible. B2 boots are ideal)
• Gloves (at least two pairs, if not more! One pair of mitts are also very useful)
• Hat (that can be worn under a helmet)
• Sunglasses/suncream (you never know)
• Rucksack suitable for walking/climbing (30-45 litres)
• Mountaineering axe
• Gaiters
• Crampons – must be compatible with your boots
• Water bottle (Bladders like Camelbaks have a tendency to ice up in the winter)
• Headtorch (and a spare is a good idea)
• Survival bag
• Compass & map of the area
• Snow goggles
• Walking poles (not strictly necessary but very useful in winter)
• Helmet
• First aid kit

Additional equipment for more experienced members:

• Technical axes / leashes
• Half ropes
• Trad rack
• Harness

10 reasons to come winter climbing…..

1. Its super bad-ass! The sound of a well placed axe embedding itself into the ice, the satisfaction of clipping in to an ice screw, the sheer adventure of it all and the fact you will feel like a hero when you summit are just a few of the delights that await.
2. Winter climbing rewards you with jaw dropping scenery.
3. Good company. There are several experienced folk in SCC + plenty of time to get some training in before we go. There’s even some local dry tooling 😉
4. Even the walking is epic! If you don’t fancy full blown ice climbing, come along for the amazing hiking. You will learn lots of skills and gain valuable experience which will help no matter what you get up to on the mountains.
5. Whisky!
6. Probably the most rewarding beer/pub dinner you will have when you have burned 4000 calories on the mountain.
7. No internet on the mountain… No Facebook, no emails – forget about the computer and enjoy life!
8. Digging your own snowhole
9. Brilliant excuse to go shopping… One can hire the necessary kit, or borrow, beg, steal… Check out UKC forums for 2nd hand tools, crampons etc for bargains.
10. You will yearn for more

Broaden your horizons and sharpen your tools 🙂