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Winter Training 2009 - Cairngorms |
| Posted by Mark Tennant (mtennant) on Feb 27 2009 |
This year I had the pleasure of taking four of the teams probationary members on their first winter training. Some of the group had very little winter experience but the small team made me hope that we could make good progress throughout the day.
Our first problem was to find some snow! There had been fantastic conditions earlier in the year but a thaw the previous week had shifted a considerable amount of the necessary white stuff required for winter training.
We left the car park and made our way into Coire an t-Snechda where we found a patch of snow at the base of the Fiacaill. Here we covered moving on moderate snow using only an axe with the boots used to saw foot placements. The technique adopted here was tried and tested ‘Ivor the Engine’ method and we could soon mode around with stability and confidence. The run-out of the slope did not lend itself to safe playing so it was time to move on.
Round the corner in Coire An Lochan I spotted a slope with enough angle to be testing but a safe area at the base to prevent injury. Helmets on and we were off! Some of the group were very nervous moving across the slope but the smiles soon returned when we were sliding down the slop with no method breaking other than our hands and feet. A few runs of this and everyone had the confidence to dash around the slope knowing they can easily stop themselves when required. The axe was introduced and we practiced arresting from various start positions. After covering some belays it was time to move on up the slop and put this into practice. The group looked after each other and soon broke through to the summit of Cairn Lochan where the ice necessitated the use of crampons. Poor visibility introduced the team to life on the plateaux in winter as we navigated our way to Coire Domhain to inspect the snow holes. Sarah liked these holes so much that she decided to have a wee sleep while we held the annual snow shovel race. I was gutted to be beaten by ‘Rookie’ Helen and still can’t work out what happened.
Working our way round the top of the Northern Coires we returned to the ski centre at the end of a full day. I would like to thank Rab, Keith, Sarah and Helen for their trust, hard work and enthusiasm to give me such a great day out on the hill.
Winter Skills - A Trainee's Perspective
As this was my first proper time doing winter skills training I was very nervous about what we would be doing and if I would be any good. After a relaxing walk in and a bit of navigation practice we got down to business.
We started with a technique for cutting steps with an ice axe and boots. At this point Ivor the engine was introduced to us in order to keep a rhythm going.
Moving onto Coire An Lochan we spent time doing what is now my favourite part of winter skills - breaking. I had never done this before so when I was told to throw myself down a hill in various ways with no ice axe and stop myself; I was understandably thinking Ian was joking. Once I had been given a push by Helen I was off and loving it. So much so a couple of times I almost forgot that we had to stop ourselves. Once over the initial nerves that come from learning a new skill I felt confident that I could keep myself safe.
When we were taught ice axe breaking and belaying the team work was clear and everyone helped each other out to get the most out of the day.
The best part of the day and probably the most nerve wracking for myself was climbing up onto the plateau. This is an area I don’t have experience in, in winter conditions. But as the saying goes ‘there’s always a first time for everything’ and as you can see from the pictures; with Ian and the groups encouragement I got myself up and they got me smiling again.
Once we got to the top of the plateau the goggles had to go on and maps and compasses came out. Time for some proper winter navigation, excellent! It was also the time for a migraine to set in for myself so the snow holes were a welcome place to rest until it subsided. I was sleeping for a reason, although they are very comfortable.
So even though I was pushed outside of my comfort zone and showed to myself to have a new level of perseverance and determination I didn’t know I had, I can’t wait to do it again. Thank you to Ian for his superb training skills and to Helen, Keith and Rab for fantastic team work, keeping me going and keeping me smiling.
Sarah Hewins
Border Search and Rescue Unit – Probationer Member
All photos courtesy of Ian Stark
To see the annual shovel race follow the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Last changed: Jul 04 2009 at 7:42 PM
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