Responsible Tourism [#04] - Winter High Mountain Tourism Course

Mountain tourism is becoming increasingly popular, and its winter variant is becoming even more popular. Tall, soaring peaks, covered in snow, entice with their inaccessibility. The mountains in winter, especially the high ones, teach humility, patience, and carry real risks. Even if we are well-versed tourists, if we are taking our first steps in winter, we should definitely attend a winter high mountain tourism course.

These courses are dedicated to those who care about safely navigating in high mountain areas that are non-climbing in nature. The training usually lasts from 3 to 4 days, where in addition to 8 hours of fieldwork, lectures are conducted. At the beginning of the course, you will learn how to move in crampons using an ice axe. One of the more important points of the training is learning to correctly use the avalanche ABC. You will familiarize yourself with the basics of winter belaying in rocky, snowy, and icy terrain, the use of ropes along with basic knots. You will learn how to arrest a fall in steep terrain. During the field sessions, you will learn how to build belay points and abseil stations in snow and ice. You will be introduced to the basics of survival skills, namely bivouacking principles and building a snow cave. Typically, there are 6 participants for each instructor, who is a PZA climbing and mountaineering instructor. During the lectures, you will learn about the specifics of winter tourism, along with its dangers. You will find out how to properly plan the route of the expedition.

You do not need to have completed a rock climbing course or have climbing experience to participate in the course. You do not need to worry about lacking technical equipment – the course organizer provides it. Remember to bring warm clothing and underwear. Comfortable mountain hiking boots with a stiff sole (the boots must allow for proper fitting of basket crampons) are also very important, along with gaiters. Bring several pairs of gloves, hats, and socks. A 40-litre backpack and a thermos for hot tea will work well in the field. Additionally, pack a headlamp, trekking or skiing poles, and sunglasses.

If you are interested in the course and have more questions, it is worth visiting the Central Training Centre of the Polish Mountaineering Association in Betlejemka – there you will find all the necessary information, including costs and course dates.

Author of the photos and text: Ewa Bandyk