Pyrenees Winter Skills Meet
Holly from 360 Expeditions answers some questions…
Hi! I’m Holly – I’m part of the 360 Expeditions team that provide Winter Skills courses and it was in fact due to this very course that I was inspired to jump ship and hop on board with 360!
I’d trekked in the UK, along the Great Wall of China and to the summit of Kilimanjaro but these had only spurred on my curiosity for exploring. When I stumbled upon this course, I signed up without hesitation as it felt a perfect next step. Little did I know that this would be the exciting stepping stone to begin life in the Pyrenees, more mountainous adventures on a daily basis and a trek to Toubkal – the highest point in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Who knows what next!
Having completed the course last year, I can vouch first-hand how incredibly invaluable this week long course is but I really do hope you find out for yourself. Here is a taster of what’s to come…
What skills and experience do I need to have already?
Zero. The sheer beauty of this course is that it suits the very beginner up to the very-well-practiced and experienced climber who wants to sharpen up skills before their next expedition, and everyone in between. Throughout the week, you are exposed to a whole host of fundamental skills that aim to keep you safe and knowledgeable in the mountains, particularly in winter conditions. You get handed a pair of snowshoes and you begin to journey into your base for the week, where your learning kicks off immediately and continues to build layer upon layer much like the snow that surrounds you. It is a very satisfying feeling finishing up the week and comparing what you knew when you first reached your mountain base to where your mind and body is at the end.
How fit do I need to be?
A good level of fitness will maximise your enjoyment of the course. It is a short but punchy snowshoe into base which is where you will stay for the week so your fitness and stamina will definitely lend itself there and then towards the end of the week, you get the chance to put all your newfound skills to the test when you summit a nearby peak. This can be a reasonably long day on the hill so any training you do will put you in good stead.
This week is massively about the skills and information you are picking up to keep you safe in the mountains so as long as you are of reasonable fitness, got a healthy dose of determination and positive mentality – you’ll do just fine!
What equipment do I need?
Some technical equipment will be provided such as snow shoes, ice axe, harness and crampons but we welcome you to bring your own as you may like to get used to your own equipment ready for your own adventures. You will need to bring along your own prusik loops, karabiners and sling but we can advise on these and they will very much come in handy in many of your future escapades! We update the kit list regularly and once you are signed up you will be given the most up to date information to help you pack and prepare.
Why the Pyrenees?
The Pyrenees is the lesser known sister of the Alps and in being so, is less frequented meaning quieter trails, sprawling valleys to yourself, spotting undisturbed wildlife and experiencing the rugged beauty of the mountains on a different level. I fell in love with the Pyrenees in the first week I visited here, and have since upped sticks and moved out here. It is quite simply a mecca for adventure and I strongly believe everyone should give themselves the pleasure of exploring it at least once. Snowshoeing, skiing, paragliding, trail running, canyoning, hiking and climbing (rock and ice) are just some of the many opportunities out here and is so ingrained in day to day life. Not to mention the fine wine and cheese to refuel on when a day on the mountains is in the bag. Joining us at the start of the year and experiencing the Pyrenees in winter fills you with inspiration and motivation to fuel your adventures throughout the year and even return to the Pyrenees to experience every season. It really is worth it.
Who will be working with our group?
360 Expeditions prides themselves on working with the very best guides in the business. International Mountain leaders that have spent years in the mountains perfecting their trade and not just doing what they love but opening it up so that others can also share their passion. It is a privilege to inspire others and make the mountains accessible to those who have been educated on how to explore safety and follow best practice. And our guides absolutely relish in teaching people like yourselves to be safe in the mountains and go on to have lifelong unforgettable experiences on mountains all across the world. We have been joined by all walks of life, the beauty of the mountains is that they can be for anyone so our courses are designed around being accessible, inclusive and invaluable to all.
What is the hut like? Where will I sleep? What’s the food like?
You stay at the mountain refuge hut for the entire week which becomes your cosy ‘home’ to return to after a fresh day of action. The toasty fire and warm home cooked meals are very much appreciated. Typically you have a 3 course meal each night consisting of a light salad or soup, a main meal and some form of sweet. It is basic, wholesome food that will keep your belly full and your body warm. You all sit along a long table and benches and often a game of cards breaks out before or after dinner. You can buy a celebratory beer, fizzy drink or hot chocolate in the evenings if you so wish too. The dorms are full of bunk beds and you chose your bed for the week. You bring your sleeping bag with you and the hut provides a bottom sheet, pillow and blanket although you might like to use a dry bag with some clothes in it as an extra form of pillow! Staying in the huts is very much an adventure in itself and truly adds to the experience. Savour it! And trust me, after each day of action you will no doubt be sound asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow!
What makes this course different to others available?
First up, having the ultimate adventure playground that is the Pyrenees as your base for the week already has you starting off on a fantastic foot. It feels as if you are in a winter wonderland and having that sense of a real escape really adds to the charm and magic of the course and helps you to keep that laser focus. Being stood in the foothills of the Pyrenees highest peak is a spectacular arena to practice a huge range of skills from building snow holes to digging snow anchors and get a flavour of abseiling, ice climbing, avalanche risks, all in a completely safe cocoon and under the watchful eye of your experienced guide. It is the perfect opportunity to delve into a new and exciting world if you are new to mountaineering, similarly it is the ideal answer to feed the monster if you are looking for your next mountaineering fix. This course stands out from others not just because of its setting, but because it was cultivated by none other than Rolfe Oostra, mountaineer and experienced guide, who you might like to read a bit about here. His many years in the mountains (of which he may well share tales around, the mad, bad and bizarre!) has helped Rolfe to form an impressive knowledge base and appreciation for the importance of educating yourself properly before you step into the ring. You only have to take a moment to read some of the testimonials from previous course goers to understand the impact this course has.
What could I do next after this course?
The world is your oyster! This course really empowers you – it certainly did for me! Not just for the mountains (although of course very much so!), but also on my bike, in my career, what I wanted for my future. It sounds a little strange to say but the confidence, learning and breadth of development throughout the week really inspired me to look at things differently. There are a whole host of mountains you could go on to consider so it is really what is calling your name… Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Kang Yatse 2 – the list goes on! It is definitely worth chatting to the 360 team to get a better idea of what kind of mountain experience you are craving as we can then cater towards that completely. Between the team of 4 females in the office, we have had our fair share of mountains so more than happy to chat adventures all day long!