It’s that time of the year folks, where you put on your gloves, rap your head in warm gear, snuggle up to the fire place in the hut, and naturally snowcraft!

Winter, I believe, is one of the best times to do your tramping, just look at all the things it has going for it, ice, snow, cuddling up to the fire place, and day’s where its below 30 degrees Celsius. However, unless you to plan to do most of your tramping on valley floors, you will need to know basic snowcraft skills. (You will also need basic snowcraft skills, to take part in an event which will hopefully "rock your socks off"! More about that later.)

There will be two different ways you can do snowcraft, we will have a two day course, staying the night in a hut or lodge! But also for those who do not have the time there will also be several one day courses. The courses will teach you the basics of snowcraft, including: the use of crampons and ice axes, self arresting, how to discover an avalanche prone area, (which does not involve avalanche poodles), etc…. Note, however, that these are only the basics of snowcraft, and do not prepare people for the likes of crossing glaciers.

Once you’ve done the course it is recommended that you put your skills into practice, so we will make sure that trips following these courses we be appropriate to practice your wonderful new found skills.

Who can participate I hear you ask? Basically everybody, just so long you feel comfortable with your tramping ability, however, you will need some sturdy boots to fit the crampons to. SO BE THERE FOLKS, OR ELSE…… You will miss out. No dates had been set when I wrote this, so please keep your eyes open on the notice board, and I will probably also send everyone an email.

Love,

Rene B, your favourite (only) instruction officer