Winter walking is a world apart

Dec 10 2010 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

SUMMER and winter walking are worlds apart, with virtually every dimension of the environment transformed in the latter season.

The risks – and, arguably, the attractions – are multiplied many times over in winter when the mountains become both wonderland and hazardous.

The feeling of euphoria, standing on a 1000m winter peak with clear weather conditions gazing across 350 million-year-old sculptured mountain tops, looks like an exhibition of painted classics great artists could only mimic but, the modern day adventurer can experience close-up. It’s like a walk through time and all you need is time, skills and imagination. It’s normal to experience a strange sense of isolation even though you could be sharing the route and summit with many other people and parties.

On most weekends during the Scottish winter an average of 80,000 winter recreationalist will plan fabulous day trips in the hills and mountains.

To get to those mountain tops safely and with confidence, requires not only the knowledge of equipment but know how to use it when it matters. We are hard wired to not always think clearly when we’re scared but learning hill safety and gaining practical hands on experience/practice will reduce levels of anxiety. One thing is clear though, staying confident keeps you safer on mountains and the appeal of the winter mountains is so great that any ambitious hillwalker will want to get out there, and experience the exhilaration, challenge and beauty that Scotland’s mountains offer.

So before you head out for the hills this winter here are some top tips:

Walking on snow

Walking in winter means you have to be more efficient ... learning techniques for walking uphill, downhill and traversing are all key walking techniques to practice and attain a level of comfort. It is essential to find a safe place to practice. Always practice on a slope with a short run out with no hazards below it start off in soft snow, that way if you slip the angle of the decreasing slope will gradually slow you to a stop. (Essential kit: Scarpa Manta Boot, rrp £200)

Learn to walk in crampons

Once you have your crampons correctly adjusted to your boots, practice walking on flat ground first beware there is a risk of catching your crampon point on trousers and gaiters so always best to concentrate on walking with a slightly wider step. Learn to move up and down safely and in control is easy to learn with a few top tips progress will feel natural. (Essential kit: Grivel, G10 point for the walker rrp £110, G12 point for the mountaineer rrp £135)

Using your ice axe

This is a skill that gets easier with practice and it makes you realise just what a vital tool your ice axe is for the winter mountains, you need your ice axe to help balance when ascending and descending steeper slopes. The axe is also used for self arrest that’s using the axe to stop yourself from uncontrollably sliding down a snow slope additionally an axe is communally used for step cutting on easy angle slopes. (Essential kit: Tiso axe rrp £60)

Accurate navigation

Accurate navigation in winter can definitely save your life. Having the right equipment and skills, knowing when to use your map and compass and knowing your position at all times is not only essential but good fun. TIP: Compasses can be very tricky to hold still on a plastic or laminated map. Place an elastic band around the compass base plate next to the housing. It will be much easier to keep the compass in position as the band will grip the slippery surface. Knowing the weather to expect is also important – for weather and avalanche forecast for Tayside log on to www.mwis.org.uk and click South Eastern highlands the follow the links to the avalanche forecast. (Essential kit: New ‘waterproof’ Harvey Maps Southern Highlands Mountain Map rrp £12.95)

Reader Competition

To make sure that you are fully geared up for whatever this winter throws at you Tiso are giving Stirling Observer readers the opportunity to win £50 of Gift Vouchers, plus a signed copy of Stuart Johnston’s The Mountain Skills Training Handbook.

Just correctly answer the following question on the coupon below, and send your entry to Tiso Competition, c/o The Editor, 58 Watergate, Perth, PH1 5TF. Closing date is Friday, December 17, 2010. Usual S&UN competition rules apply.