SKILLS
HILL WINTER IS COMING
We’re heading straight into the next season of white walking. As the frosts fall, what extra skills do you need on the hills?
CHECK THE FORECAST
Always get an up-to-date forecast before you step onto the hill. And remember, don’t sugar-coat it! Conditions change quickly with elevation and over time. If the wind is strong low on the hill or in the trees, expect it to be howling on the summit. Rob Johnson of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team says: “Winter mountains offer an amazing experience, but you must have the appropriate equipment such as ice axe, crampons, waterproof clothing, insulated clothing, map, compass and, most importantly, know how to use it. Base your plans on an up-to-date weather forecast and match your objective with the conditions and experience. Never be afraid to turn back, and remember it’s often more challenging to descend in snow and ice than it is to head uphill!”
DON’T GET WET
Expect to get cold, but if the forecast says it’s raining then make sure your waterproofs are up to it. Cold and dry is far better than cold and wet. Too many non-breathable layers can lead to overheating, and this sweating leads to wetting, and then getting cold. It’s a tricky line to tread, but the difference between having too many layers and having just enough can be crucial. If you’ve got multiple layers and you’re getting too hot, just take a couple off before you start sweating.
DON’T LET THE HEAT GET AWAY
Once you’re taking a break, don’t forget to put those layers back on to save the heat you’ve built up from being lost to the wind.
BRIGHT IS RIGHT
You might think you want to stay with a low-key colour scheme when you’re buying outdoor gear, but those garish colours you’re shying away from might actually save your life one day. Black, grey and other drab colours are less easy to see in winter conditions, especially for people searching from the air.
Heather Morning, Mountaineering Scotland safety advisor and member of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, said: “In the 2014/2015 season, three men went missing and, bizarrely – considering the size of the Scottish ranges compared to say, the Alps – their bodies are still to be found. None of them told friends or family members where they were going, and they were all wearing black or grey clothing.”
R Snow fun: heading up to Buachaille Etive Mor.
72 | CLIMB. WALK. JOIN.
PHOTO: ALEX MESSENGER.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
