Winter Navigation
Pathway: Winter
Level: Progression
Adapt map-and-compass navigation to snow-covered terrain, poor visibility and the additional decisions of winter.
WML Refresher
Leadership
Refresh winter leadership judgement in the conditions where it has to work.
- Format
- Workshop
- Duration
- 1 day
- Pathway
- Leadership
- Group
- Small-group workshop
£175 per person
Workshop Overview
WML Refresher is a conditions-led day for Winter Mountain Leader trainees and qualified leaders. We agree the most useful focus from current needs and the forecast, then connect technical skills to leadership: route choice, group management, navigation, snow and avalanche decisions, movement and emergency planning. The day can support assessment preparation or continuing professional practice. This is an independent refresher, not formal scheme training or assessment. The focus is winter walking leadership; planned roped climbing sits outside this workshop.
Key Information
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Delivered in Scotland. We confirm the operating base and meeting arrangements when we arrange the workshop.
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Small-group workshop (Max 4)
Who It's For
- Winter Mountain Leader trainees consolidating or preparing for assessment.
- Qualified WMLs refreshing before a new season or returning after a gap.
- Leaders who want external feedback on winter judgement and systems.
Skills Covered
- Weather, avalanche information and route planning for a group.
- Winter navigation and adapting strategy to conditions.
- Movement coaching, group spacing and terrain choices.
- Leadership behaviours, decision points and emergency options.
- Targeted feedback against the participant's current professional goals.
Pre-requisites
You should have completed WML training, hold the award or have equivalent winter leadership experience. Share your stage and priorities before booking.
What to Bring
Winter boots compatible with your crampons; a mountaineering axe and crampons; waterproofs and insulating layers; spare gloves, hat and goggles; headtorch with spare power; food, warm drink and personal medication. Bring the specified map, compass and waterproof map protection.
We can provide a mountaineering axe, crampons and a helmet. If you have your own, please bring them with you.
You will need suitable winter mountaineering boots: B2-rated boots are our normal minimum, and we can provide B2 boots where needed.
Itinerary
The exact plan may adapt to weather, venue conditions and the group's experience. The stages below describe the intended focus.
Dates & Prices
£175 per person. This workshop runs on request rather than on fixed dates: for individuals, small groups or bespoke professional development.
Ask about arranging WML Refresher privately. Tell us your experience, priorities, group size and preferred dates so we can confirm a suitable format and quote.
Make an enquiry
WML Refresher
This date is held in reserve and is not open for booking yet. Leave your details and we will be in touch if it opens. No payment is taken.
Dates are being finalised. Tell us which dates would suit you and we will be in touch as soon as they are confirmed.
This date is full. A waiting-list request is not a confirmed booking; we will contact you if a suitable place becomes available.
Tell us what you would like and when suits you, and we will come back to you with the options.
Thank you
We have your interest in this date and have emailed you a copy. No payment has been taken, and we will be in touch if it opens for booking.
We have your request and have emailed you a copy. We will be in touch as soon as dates are confirmed.
You are on the waiting list and we have emailed you a copy. A waiting-list request is not a confirmed booking; we will contact you if a suitable place becomes available.
We have your enquiry and have emailed you a copy. To send us anything else, such as an assessment report, reply to that email. We will be in touch soon to talk through the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
WML Refresher FAQs
Is this suitable before WML assessment?
It can support preparation and identify priorities, but one day cannot establish readiness across the full scheme.
Will we go winter climbing?
The focus is winter walking leadership. Planned roped climbing is outside the scope of this refresher.
Can a qualified WML attend?
Yes. It is intended for trainees and qualified leaders who want to refresh judgement and practice before or during the winter season.
Can the day focus on winter navigation?
Navigation can be a priority, alongside the leadership and terrain decisions it supports. Share your aims before booking; the programme also follows the forecast and group needs.
Will one day cover the whole WML syllabus?
No. We agree a useful focus and provide feedback on observed practice. Wider preparation and experience remain necessary across the scheme.
Kit & Equipment FAQs
What if I do not have all the equipment?
Contact us before booking or buying kit. We will confirm what you need, what can be arranged and any hire charges for this workshop.
What happens if the weather changes?
We choose terrain around snow, wind, visibility and the avalanche forecast. Routes and exercises may change; we will discuss the arrangements if conditions prevent the intended activity.
Booking & Cancellation FAQs
Can I book one place?
Yes. Public courses and workshops are priced per person, so you can book an individual place and join others. Check the page prerequisites before booking; you do not need to provide a whole group yourself.
How do I book?
Choose the course or workshop, check the date and location, and follow Book now. Complete the requested participant information and payment steps. If you are unsure about suitability or need equipment advice, contact us before completing the booking.
How do I pay?
Bookings below £300, or made fewer than 42 days before the start, are payable in full. For bookings of £300 or more made at least 42 days before the start, a deposit option is available, with the balance due 30 days before the start. The booking page confirms the amount due when you book.
Are prices per person or for the whole group?
Public course and workshop prices are per person. Private delivery is quoted separately for the agreed format and group. Mountain Leader reassessment is priced according to the scope agreed after reviewing your report.
Can I cancel or move my booking?
Please read our Booking & Cancellation Policy before booking. It explains the applicable notice periods, charges and options for moving a place. Contact us promptly if your circumstances change, giving your booking name and date.
What if I am ill or injured before the course?
Contact us as soon as you know you may be unable to attend. Changes, transfers and refunds are handled under the Booking & Cancellation Policy. Let us know before the day rather than arriving unsure whether you can take part.
What happens if LDM changes or cancels the event?
We will contact you to explain the change and the options available under our booking terms. Read the policy before booking, particularly before making separate travel or accommodation arrangements.
What happens if minimum numbers are not reached?
Public dates depend on sufficient bookings. If numbers affect your date, we will explain the situation and the options under our booking terms. The places shown online are availability, not a promise that minimum numbers have already been met.
The date is full. Can I join a waiting list?
Use Join the waiting list where it is shown, or contact us with the course and date. A waiting-list request is not a confirmed booking; we will contact you if a suitable place becomes available.
There are no dates listed. Can I register interest?
Yes. Use Register interest or contact us with the offering and your preferred dates. We can let you know about forthcoming public dates or discuss private delivery, subject to availability.
Can I use an existing voucher?
Yes. We will honour valid existing vouchers as the booking system changes. Contact us with the voucher details before paying so we can explain how to apply it.
Can I give my place to someone else?
Contact us before arranging a replacement. We need to check the booking terms, the other participant's suitability and their details before confirming whether a transfer is possible.
I have not received booking confirmation. What should I do?
Check your spam or junk folder, then contact us with the booking name, course and date. Please check with us before making a second payment so we can establish what happened.
Structured progression
Your next step
You will leave with refreshed practice, evidence-based feedback and a clear plan for further consolidation or professional currency.
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Avalanche Awareness
Pathway: Winter
Level: Foundation
Learn to use avalanche forecasts, terrain and real snow observations to make better winter route choices.
Reading to support your learning
Knowledge Hub
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Mountain Leader Assessment Preparation: What to Work On and When
If you're aiming to become a qualified Mountain Leader (ML), take a look at the Mountain Leader Preparation course!
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Preparing for Mountain Leader Assessment: Practical Advice for Candidates
Here are some key tips to help you pass your Mountain Leader (ML) assessment with confidence.
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The Lake District is the perfect setting for aspiring mountain leaders to hone their skills.
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- Small groups, real attention. More time for coaching and feedback from your instructor.
- Structured progression. Every course builds towards real independence in the mountains.
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