looking for a good winter mountain course

Me and my girlfriend are keen fell walkers but have just had a taste of Himalayan trekking and would like to know if anyone can recommend a course that would prepare us for something tougher (i.e. a Himalayan Trekking Peak or equivalent). Money's no object, but time is tight - we couldn't really do longer than three days. We'd want to be instructed in map reading, basic climbing techniques, ice climbing etc to a basic level. Any ideas....

Depends a bit on how you're intending to tackle the peak and which one - the 'trekking peak' tag is a bit of a misnomer, as some of them are technically pretty hard, though I guess you're talking one of the easier ones like Island?

The basic snow and ice techniques you can learn in Scotland or the Alps, but you also need to know about glacier travel and crevasse rescue, which is a lot to chew off in a couple of days. If you do an organised trip though, they should be able to teach you the basics on the mountain. If you're going it alone, or with a local guide, and it's quite easy to do that, then you probably need a bit more experience to be safe.

Jagged Globe -
www.jagged-globe.co.uk
do 3-day Scottish winter courses as well as introductory alpine training weekends.

Glenmore Lodge -
www.glenmorelodge.org.uk
do a mini winter skills weekend course.

Plas y Brenin -
www.pyb.co.uk
does short winter mountaineering and winter skills courses in Scotland.

The last two are both national winter sports centres and very well respected, mentioned Jagged Globe because they run trekking peak expeditions etc, so are well aware of the requirements and again, have a good name.

Combination of a winter skills course and an alpine weekend might be the way to go.

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OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com 

Matt, I had no climbing experience at all when I did my first trekking peak, and I got along fine. As Jon says, there's not a lot you need to know, and if you go with an organised group (as I did) they'll teach you en-route. Basically, you're really walking uphill rather than climbing, and all you need to know is how to do this SAFELY roped up with an ice axe and crampons; the more technical stuff you mentioned is not really necessary for this type of activity.

What catches people out on trekking peaks is generally not technical weakness, but inclement weather and an inability to move quickly enough to be safe. So I think you would benefit also from a few winter walking days (ideally in Scotland) to develop your experience, fitness and judgement.

When you're picking a course, I would choose one that concentrates on mountain safety rather than the technical side, as this is far far more relevent for what you'll be doing.

If money's no object, and time's tight, I'd hire an instructor/guide for a few days. That way, you'll can get them to teach you what you want to know, and not worry about anyone else in the group. And, as there are two of you, it probably won't work out that much more expensive.....

I think both the AMI (www.ami.org.uk - but it's throwing out an error message today!) and the BMG (www.bmg.org.uk) have lists of qualified freelance instructors. Or otherwise, take a look at the ads in the back of any walking or climbing mag. Many of these folk will regularly work on trips up trekking peaks (and many work freelance at the national centres, too), so they'll have a good idea what skills are useful, and what's not.