Making the most of the January snow

The annual MTA winter CPD weekend was back in all of it's glory at Glenmore Lodge on January 26th-27th. Packed full of winter based CPD workshops it was an ideal opportunity for MTA members to develop, refresh and learn new skills, find out about working as a Winter Mountain Leader, top up on their avalanche awareness and meet like-minded members.

Some of our members have kindly given us some feedback about the event - read what they had to say...

Feedback from attendees

Claire Goodman-Jones -

"Just wanted to say that I really found the MTA CPD winter weekend extremely informative...

I dont work full time in the outdoors but am a fairly active Summer ML during the summer season. I was too busy with work commitments last year to undertake a ‘Winter Skill’s’ type course which is something I have wanted to do for a long time as although I have walked in winter a fair bit I have never really ventured on to higher ground and had no knowledge of using crampons /ice axe etc. So this winter I was looking for a course to fit the bill.

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I have been a member of the MTA for a few years and found it invaluable for keeping in touch and knowing what is going on and forming new friends /contacts in the outdoor sector. Whilst there are plenty of winter skills type course around I decided to go on the MTA weekend because I knew everyone there was already at least a Mountain Leader and infant that I would be one of the least experienced in winter and would gain more out of this course by being alongside those with greater knowledge and being able to pick up practical tips from more experienced people.

I undertook the two workshops 1. Discover Winter Skills and 2. Winter Navigation which seemed the obvious ones for me starting out in winter. Both were excellent and it was also my first time at Glenmore Lodge and I was highly impressed with the standard of instructors, facilities in general and quality of kit being learnt. I also found the evening lectures very informative and Alan was very entertaining. Overall it was an amazing weekend and I got masses out of both in terms of increasing my technical knowledge and practical skills. We were also blessed with pretty good winter conditions especially on the second day.

Thanks MTA. I hope you continue to offer this weekend as who knows in a few years time I might return to do some of the more advanced workshops."

Dalton Moore -

"It was incredibly professionally run from start to finish, with a good amount of learning opportunities made despite the weather making for challenging conditions. Personally I found the only things to affect my experience were the less than ideal learning conditions which are way beyond anyone’s control. It was also great to meet other members from across the country and see what they are doing within their regions."

Graeme Adkin -

"It was a very useful event, and the time was used to cram in a lot of material without overload. I did the Avalanche Awareness course on the 1st day (when there was no snow), and the Teaching winter skills session on the 2nd day (when there was too much snow!). The instructors ensured it was an informative and enjoyable event on both days. The evening sessions on the Saturday are always a good idea at Glenmore. Many thanks to MTA for arranging it all!"

Save the date!

We've already booked next year's winter weekend at Glenmore Lodge, so if you're keen to develop your winter skills pencil the 25th-26th January 2020 into your diary!

Photo credits:
Photo's by Tabitha Twitchit