Winter Skills Training Expedition 2012

The 2012 Winter Skills Training Expedition

Members of the 8^th form are invited to join a short winter expedition at the end of term to the snowy mountains of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park – one of the last great wildernesses in the UK. Led by expert Alpine guides from the world renowned Glenmore Lodge, you will be taken deep into the mountains and trained in a variety of winter skills.

Photos: Top: Fr Paul Hackett, DaGoat. Bottom: Glenmore Lodge

This will appeal to all who enjoy winter mountain sports, from skiing to hiking and climbing, but who are keen to improve their knowledge and understanding of this challenging and hazardous environment. All that is needed is a keen spirit of adventure!

Sign-up is on a first-come basis. All cheques must be handed in by 1pm on Friday 14th September. Click here for a letter to parents.

Expedition Details

Dates:                          Thursday 13^th December – Monday 17^th December 2012

School Leader:           Mr Alexander Isaac (apdi@stpaulsschool.org.uk)

Cost:                            £550 (including training, accommodation, travel and most food)

Training:                     Provided by Glenmore Lodge (www.glenmorelodge.org.uk). The training is based upon their well-known ‘Introduction to Winter Skills’ course. The main topics covered (weather permitting) include:

·         Personal movement skills on snow, including kicking steps and using the ice axe for walking, self-belay, cutting steps, and self-arrest

·         Use of crampons in ascent/descent

·         Avalanche awareness and safe route choice

·         Core techniques of winter navigation

·         Emergency procedures

·         Selection and organisation of personal kit appropriate to winter hill walking

·         Evening sessions may include a winter hazards talk and avalanche awareness talk

Accommodation:       Aviemore Youth Hostel

Transport:                  Train

Food:                           The majority of meals included and provided by the Youth Hostel

How to sign-up

The closing date for submitting a cheque for £550 (payable to St Paul’s School) is Friday 14^th September. It is important to note that sign-up for the expedition will be done strictly on a first-come basis and sign-up will be done in blocks of five pupils. For any further questions please contact Mr Isaac (apdi@stpaulsschool.org.uk). The following two forms must also be completed: consent form and medical form.

Coming Soon!

More details to follow from Mr Isaac over the course of the next few weeks but look out for information on the intranet, outside his classroom, around school and in assemblies on:

·        2 day Royal Geographical Society Expedition and Fieldwork Training Weekend (November 2012)

·         8 day Alpine Expedition to Slovakia (February Half Term 2013)

·         7 day Summer Hiking and Activities Week (July 2013)