Winter Skills

When you are out walking or climbing in the winter hills, having the right boots with the right crampons could mean the difference between a great day out and a life-threatening disaster.

Tips on choosing the right kit to carry when walking in the winter hills.

Tips on choosing the right ice axe for walking and climbing in the winter hills.

How should you carry your ice axe when walking in the winter hills? For short periods when you don't need to be carrying it in your hand, you can stash it between your back and your rucksack. This short video shows the way.

Tips on how to assess weather and route conditions when walking in the winter hills.

Tips on how to kick steps and use an ice axe when walking in the winter hills.

Tips on how to navigate safely in the winter hills. This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

Tips on travelling in the winter hills. This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

Tips on route and avalanche risk assessment when walking in the winter hills. This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

How to cut steps when walking in the winter hills. This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

How to put on crampons when out in the winter hills. You're out in the winter hills and the terrain is getting a bit tricky and it's slippery underfoot. Is it time to put on your crampons? In this short film a professional AMI Mountaineering Instructor shows you how and when to put your crampons on.

Tips on how to walk in crampons when out in the winter hills. You've chosen the right boots and crampons, so now you're ready to hit the snowy hills. But how do you walk in crampons?

Do you know how to stop yourself sliding on snow by using an ice-axe self-arrest? This is an essential skill when walking and climbing in the winter mountains. A slip in winter can result in you hurtling down a snowy slope very quickly, possibly with disastrous consequences. This short film shows how the ice axe can be used to bring you to a stop should you slip - a potential life saver in the mountains.

Tips on belaying with the rope on the plateau when out in the winter hills. So you've reached the summit plateau. Success! Now you need to bring your partner up. Belaying on a wind-swept and snow-covered plateau poses some tricky challenges. This short video shows you things to look out for and how to set up a safe and solid belay. This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

Tips on how to make a snow belay when out in the winter hills. Making a belay but can't find a rock anchor? In this short film a professional AMI Mountaineering Instructor shows you how to use just a couple of pieces of gear and some snow to make a safe and solid belay.

Winter skills 2.8: making a snow bollard and using it to make an abseil

Winter is on the way and the first snows of the year have fallen. But before you head off to the mountains, here’s a reminder from Rob Dyer, BMC Access and Conservation Officer, on the importance of minimising the impact of winter climbing on the cliff environment.

Expert tips for winter climbing. How to find your route:

Expert tips for winter climbing. How to approach and start out on your climb:

Expert tips for winter climbing. Gearing up for your climb:

Expert tips for belaying when winter climbing:

Expert tips for winter climbing. Climbing technique on Grade I-II climbs:

Expert tips for winter climbing. Topping out on your climb:

Expert tips for winter climbing. Bringing up a climbing partner This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

Expert tips for winter climbing. Bringing up a climbing partner This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

Expert tips for winter climbing. Swapping leads at the belay This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

Expert tips for winter climbing. Climbing and protecting steeper mixed ground. This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

Expert tips for winter climbing. Transitions between technical and easy climbing. This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

Expert tips for winter climbing. Leashes or leashless? Placing nuts. This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.

Expert tips for winter climbing. Climbing steep ice: tactics for movement and placing ice screws. This is one of a series of instructional films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with AMI (the Association of Mountaineering Instructors), Lowe Alpine and DMM.