UBES is committed to helping members develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become safer and more independent in the outdoors. Throughout the year, we organise training opportunities ranging from navigation and first aid to climbing, winter skills and Mountain Leader development.
Some training is delivered internally by experienced members, while other courses are provided by recognised external organisations. Where funding allows, UBES aims to subsidise training so that these opportunities remain accessible to members.
Navigation Training
Navigation training is usually organised during the second term and is suitable for a range of experience levels, from members learning to navigate independently for the first time to those preparing to lead walks.
Training may cover:
- Macro and micro navigation
- Route choice and decision making
- Group management
- Night navigation
Sessions provide an opportunity to practise navigation techniques in a supportive environment before applying them independently or while leading groups on UBES trips.
Remote First Aid
UBES arranges remote first aid training with a particular focus on incidents occurring in outdoor and remote environments.
Alongside standard first aid principles, the course considers situations in which professional assistance may be some distance away. It is particularly relevant to members who lead walks, organise trips or spend significant time in the mountains.
The course normally takes place over a weekend during the second term and consists of approximately 16 hours of training. The qualification is valid for three years and can satisfy the first aid requirement for Mountain Leader assessment.
Mountain Leader Training
Mountain Leader training is a natural progression for members who wish to develop their mountain leadership skills. The qualification focuses on safely leading groups in the UK mountains and builds on navigation ability, independent hill experience and practical decision making.
Training covers areas including:
- Navigation
- Group management
- Route planning and decision making
- Movement over steep terrain
- Mountain safety
- Wild camping and expedition skills
The training course lasts six days and includes an overnight wild camp. Participants can subsequently work towards completing the experience requirements and assessment needed to gain the full Mountain Leader qualification.
UBES has historically supported a number of members each year to undertake Mountain Leader training, with course costs subsidised where funding allows.
Mountain Leader qualification information →
Winter Skills
Winter Skills training is aimed at members with little or no previous experience of Scottish winter mountaineering. It is normally delivered at the beginning of the annual Scotland Trip so that participants have a common grounding before heading into the mountains.
Training may include:
- Ice axe arrest
- Ice axe and crampon techniques
- Movement on snow and ice
- Avalanche awareness
- Recognising cornices and other winter hazards
- Reading and responding to snow conditions
These skills are then put into practice during mountain days under appropriate supervision and in suitable conditions.
Rock Climbing Instructor Training
The Rock Climbing Instructor qualification, previously known as the Single Pitch Award, is a Mountain Training qualification for experienced climbers who wish to supervise and introduce others to rock climbing in appropriate single-pitch environments.
UBES may support members undertaking this training as part of developing climbing experience, instruction and leadership within the Society.
Rock Climbing Instructor qualification information →
Introduction to Traditional Climbing
During the summer, UBES runs introductory traditional climbing training for members looking to progress their outdoor climbing skills.
The course introduces the techniques, equipment and judgement involved in traditional climbing and is intended for members who already have a grounding in basic climbing and belaying skills.
Experience requirements, dates and application details are communicated to members ahead of each course.
Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust Courses
The Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust provides courses designed to help young mountaineers develop the skills required for more advanced mountain environments, including higher-altitude and glaciated terrain.
UBES members have taken part in these courses over the years as a progression from experience gained through Society trips, training and independent mountaineering.
View Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust courses →
Training Opportunities
The courses available each year depend on demand, instructor availability and funding. Details of upcoming training opportunities, application requirements and any member subsidies are communicated through UBES member channels.
Some courses require previous experience or minimum competency levels. Where this applies, the relevant requirements will be made clear before applications open.
