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The Highland Mountain Culture Association Limited
PO Box 7035,
Fort William
PH33 6WR

PRESENTING PARTNER

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WHAT’S ON IN AND AROUND THE OUTDOOR CAPITAL OF THE UK

Festival Workshops - Bùthan-obrach na Fèise

Mountain Skills Workshops

Our MountainSkills Workshops are run in conjunction with Nevis Range and Abacus Mount aineering. This is a unique opportunity for you to come along and experience the adventure and satisfaction of Scottish Winter Mountaineering. All workshops are run by highly experienced and fully qualified mountaineering instructors. If you've always wanted to get out onto the mountains in winter, now's your chance!

Choose from:

Avalanche Awareness (full day course) £45
Winter Walking Skills (full day course) £45
Winter Climbing (full day course) £80

Avalanche Awareness Workshops are for people with some winter experience who want a more in-depth knowledge of avalanches and how to avoid them. A theory session is followed by a full day of snow analysis all over Aonach Mor.

Winter Walking Skills Workshops are aimed at winter novices and cover basic movement skills, ice axe and crampon use, self arrest and route choice. If you have some summer walking experience and want to find out what is involved in winter walking this is the one for you.

Winter Climbing Workshops will be at tailored to you with expert coaching in ice climbing skills to modern mixed technique.

Saturday 13th February

Avalanche Awareness

Winter Walking Skills

Winter Climbing Workshop

Sunday 14th February

Avalanche Awareness

Winter Walking Skills

Winter Climbing Workshop

You need to provide your own equipment which can be hired at Ellis Brigham or Nevisport in Fort William and personal accident insurance which you can get through The B.M.C. or by joining The MCofS.

To book your place on a workshop please e-mail mike@abacusmountaineering.com with your name, address and telephone number and the workshop you would like to attend. MOUNTAIN SKILLS WORKSHOPS ARE NOW FULL

Nevis Range Workshops

Learn to ski and snowboard

Never skied or snowboarded before? Then take time out from the Festival to head up to Nevis Range for your first lesson in the best snow conditions we've had for years. You can hire everything you need at Nevis Range, and buy yourself a hat and gloves at one of Fort William’s many outdoor shops! One-day beginners packages, including 2 hours instruction, equipment hire and ski ticket, will be running each day during the Festival, costing only £47 for adults and £35 for children. As its holiday time, you’ll need to book in advance, so call now on 01397 705825. More information on the Nevis Range website. All operations weather and snow permitting.

Nevis Range

Improver workshops

ADVANCED SKIER clinics for carving and all-mountain skiing… take your skiing to a new level and learn to carve, ski moguls, powder and variable conditions every afternoon.

Improve your snowboarding skills at a Nevis Range workshop SNOWBOARDERS… free your style with our boarder Rider Improver Workshops. Learn to ride in different situations - bumps, ice and steeps, as well as basic freestyle.

Workshops run every afternoon from 1.30pm - 3.30pm and cost £21 per person. These workshops are for advanced skiers and snowboarders only and a full area pass is required. They are subject to availability and weather conditions and if less than three people are participating the workshop length will be shortened. Book now at Nevis Range Snowsports School in person or call Nevis Range on 01397 705825. More information on the Nevis Range website .

Valentines Day Cocktails

Okay, not strictly a workshop but you could still treat your partner to winter cocktails in the Snowgoose restaurant & bar with breathtaking snowy mountain views. All operations weather permitting. More information on the Nevis Range website.

one day Photography Workshop

Lochaber and the Great Glen have long been a magnet for the serious photographer. This workshop has no set programme but is intended to give you the opportunity to join a group of like minded people led by a professional photographer. The days content will be decided at the start of the day and dictated by weather, experience of group and your equipment. Picnic lunch will be provided and the day will end at approx. 16.30. Participants should wear warm, waterproof clothing and stout footwear.

Wet Winter Welly Walk

Rainy days are great for going for wet, windy walks and good food. Join us at An Clachan education centre (near Nevis Range) to make your own soup and cakes, go for a wet muddy walk (don't let your parents tell you have to stay clean!) before heading back to tuck into your freshly made food. Walk will be fairly short and suitable for a range of abilities.

Leave no trace - glen nevis

Litter and human waste alongside poor camping practice are regularly highlighted in the press and on TV. This practical 3 hour workshop will explore these issues in detail. Participants will explore the ethics of minimising their impacts alongside some practical techniques. These varied techniques will explore Leave No Trace best practice for a variety of settings and seasons.

Please bring a packed lunch and a mug (soup will be provided).

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th February | Please meet at the Lower Falls car park (grid ref: NN 145 683) | 11am-2pm | Free event, no booking required | For further info please contact Jan Breckenridge at Scottish Natural Heritage Tel: 01463 725371

‘Don’t mess with Nature’ puppet show

Rabbit has recently moved to the country and is finding it hard to get used to his new home. But help is on hand from his friendly new neighbours.

Come and see how Rabbit adjusts to his new life and learns how to enjoy the outdoors without annoying others.

Suitable for children aged 6-8 (children must be accompanied by an adult).

Sunday 14th February | Nevis Centre Festival Theatre | Two showings: 1pm and 3pm | Free event, no booking required | For further info please contact Jan Breckenridge at Scottish Natural Heritage Tel: 01463 725371

Red Deer Safari

On this safari we head up Glengarry to Loch Quoich to look for the herds of red deer which roam the hills. From November to May they are usually close to the road giving great photo opportunities. On the trip we may also see Golden Eagles, buzzards or some of our winter migrants such as goldeneye ducks and whooper swans. Warm, waterproof clothing and stout footwear are strongly recommended.