Essential Mountain Safety Skills

Since the COVID pandemic and the rise in outdoor influencers, the number of people visiting mountains and wild spaces has risen exponentially. It’s fantastic to see so many people immersing themselves in and enjoying these landscapes. But not everyone leaves with such happy memories. In April, while hiking up Moel Siabod, I came across a family heading back down with a severely cold child. He was wearing only shorts and a T-shirt. Whilst it was sunny and warm at the base of the mountain, there were still snow patches at the top with a brisk, cold wind. They were unprepared, and I couldn’t help but hope this hadn’t tainted their memories of the mountains. Sadly, this is not an uncommon encounter, and as more people discover the UK’s mountains, ensuring they have access to good advice has never been more important. Our instructors see commonalities in mistakes. So, what can you, I and everyone do?

Our training partners, Plas y Brenin, offer a full programme of winter hiking and mountaineering courses based both in Eryri, North Wales, and in the Highlands of Scotland. As well as superb instructors and a comprehensive accommodation package as standard, you will also have access to the centre’s well-stocked equipment stores.