Winter Skills in the Cairngorms - We Fought the Wind and the Wind Won - Sunday 15th February 2015

Today I was out with Chris, Fiona, Claire and John running an introduction to Winter Skills course. After a change in venue due to the high winds, we headed up the track to the North West side of Meall a' Bhuachaille. 

 Great Views back down to Loch Morlich.

 Kicking Steps.

 Getting to grips with using an Ice Axe.

 Cutting Slash Steps.

 Now the fun really begins, Ice Axe arrest (Stopping a Slide).

 More advanced Ice Axe Arrest - Sliding head first, face down.

 Arresting a slip whilst head first on your back.

 Introducing and using Crampons.

 Concentrating on foot placement whilst front pointing and descending the slope backwards.

 We love Winter in the Cairngorms.

 Time to put all the skills in to context and go on a journey.

 Into the eye of the hurricane force winds, at this point we decided to head down. The winds were a lot stronger than had been forecast, even at 700 meters, staying up right was a challenge.

All smiles at the end of the day, the guys and girls did exceptionally well after today's challenging conditions, fun day with a great group.