If you’ve thought about developing your personal hill and mountain skills or even going on to lead groups in the mountains, then you’ll need to know about Mountain Training.
Mountain Training is the awarding body network for 16 qualifications for those who want to lead, coach or instruct others as well as six personal skills courses which help individuals become more independent in the outdoors. Mountain Training qualifications have universal recognition by the mountaineering councils and training boards of the UK and Ireland. They’re also recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other government organisations. Skills courses focus on developing confidence and skill level but not on how to look after other people.
The most popular schemes available from Mountain Training include the Mountain Leader award, designed for those who want to lead groups in the mountains, hills and moorlands of the UK and Ireland. Mountain Leaders work all around the country with all sorts of groups of people from Scouts and school children to outdoor instructors. Qualified Mountain Leaders must have experience of mountain walking before embarking on the extensive training and assessment proceedure.
Other leadership courses include the Lowland Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader, Winter Mountain Leader and International Mountain Leader.
Those with a passion for rock climbing could work towards the Climbing Wall Instructor award. This qualification trains and assesses candidates in the skills required to supervise climbers on climbing walls. Or the Rock Climbing Instructor award which is all about taking people climbing and abseiling on single pitch crags as well as artificial structures. These award are delivered by Mountain Training providers right across the UK.
Other climbing courses include the Indoor Climbing Assistant, Climbing Wall Development Instructor, Rock Climbing Development Instructor, Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor.
If you’re just looking to develop your personal outdoor skills the Hill Skills course is a great introduction to independent hill walking for those who would like to learn the basics in order to have their own adventures. Whereas the Mountain Skills course is great for people who want to venture into steeper terrain and covers the skills required to enjoy the mountains safely. There are also four Rock Skills courses for those wanting to become a more independent rock climber.
The Mountain Training website also allows you to ‘find a leader‘ making it quick and easy if you’re looking to work with a qualified mountain leader who’s also a member of the Mountain Training Association.
MountainXperience is a provider of Mountain Training personal skills courses. Find out more about our Hill Skills and Mountain Skills weekends.
