UBES is committed to helping members develop the skills and confidence to become safer, more independent mountaineers. Throughout the year we organise training opportunities ranging from navigation and first aid to climbing, winter skills and Mountain Leader training.
Some courses are run internally by experienced members, while others are delivered through recognised external providers. Where possible, UBES subsidises training to make these opportunities more accessible to members.
Navigation Training
Our navigation training is usually held during the second term and is aimed at a wide range of experience levels, from members learning to navigate independently for the first time to those preparing to lead walks.
Training may include:
- Macro and micro navigation
- Group management
- Route choice and decision making
- Night navigation
Sessions give members an opportunity to practise navigation techniques in a supportive environment before applying them independently or while leading groups.
Remote First Aid
UBES arranges remote first aid training with a particular focus on incidents in outdoor and remote environments.
Alongside standard first aid skills, the course considers situations where professional help may be some distance away. It is particularly useful for members who lead walks 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 lasts 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 want to develop their mountain leadership skills. The course focuses on safely leading groups in the UK mountains and builds on skills developed through navigation training and independent hill experience.
Topics include:
- Navigation
- Group management
- Route planning and decision making
- Moving groups over steep terrain
- Mountain safety
- Wild camping and expedition skills
The training course is six days long and includes an overnight wild camp. Members may subsequently work towards completing the Mountain Leader qualification.
UBES has historically supported a number of members each year to undertake Mountain Leader training, with costs subsidised where funding allows. More information about the qualification and registration process is available on the Mountain Training website.
Winter Skills
Winter Skills training is aimed at members who have little or no previous experience of Scottish winter mountaineering. It is normally delivered at the beginning of the 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
The skills are then put into practice during a mountain day under appropriate supervision.
Rock Climbing Instructor Training
The Rock Climbing Instructor qualification, previously known as the Single Pitch Award (SPA), is a Mountain Training qualification designed for experienced climbers who want 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 and leadership within the Society. More information is available on the Mountain Training website.
Intro to Trad
During the summer, UBES runs an introductory trad climbing course for members looking to develop their outdoor climbing skills.
The course provides an introduction to the techniques and judgement involved in traditional climbing and is intended as a progression for members who already have a grounding in basic climbing and belaying skills.
Further details, including any experience requirements and dates, are provided to members ahead of the course.
Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust Courses
The Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust runs courses designed to help young mountaineers develop the skills needed 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 the experience gained through Society trips and training.
More information is available from the Jonathan Conville Memorial Trust.
