32 years of Winter Mountain Safety Lectures

Well, that's it all done and over with for another year. The 32nd year of Clachaig's Winter Mountain Safety Lectures drew to a close last night with locally based IFMGA Mountain Guide Mike Pescod looking at the Human Factors in Decision Making.

Attentive faces in the Boots Bar

Without doubt, the winter of 2017 has been a challenging season (so far, at least!) for everyone involved with the Scottish winter mountain scene, whether that's skiers, climbers or pubs who serve beer and food to skiers and climbers. However, despite rather fickle winter conditions, the numbers attending the safety lectures have again been very encouraging. Hopefully, when (if!) winter does finally arrive, the topics covered and the lessons learned will still be remembered, and enjoyable days on the hills will be had by all.

Mike in full swing

Once again, there's a huge thanks due to everyone involved. To our team of lecturers, some of whom faced the crowds at Clachaig for the first time, and some who can almost be regarded as old hands on the circuit. These guys live and work in the the mountains, and between them have an incredible depth and breadth of experience and knowledge to share with us. Thank you all.


And thanks once again to Mammut UK, for their continued sponsorship of the series. We passionately believe that to reach the widest audience possible, the lectures should be free to everyone. That continues to be possible with the support of Mammut. So, to you, we also offer our sincere thanks.

Lots of lovely goodies from Nevisport

Fort William (and beyond!) retailers Nevisport come along to each of our presentations. They back up the support given by Mammut with their intimate product knowledge and their enthusiasm for all those bits of shiny new kit that you know you just need to have. Nevisport, you've been troupers through February, and it's been great to have you on hand again.

The Big Winter Raffle continues through until the close of FebruaryFest at the weekend. We've already reached 4 figures raised, and look forward to seeing the final sum when it's all added up. The safety remit broadened slightly this year, with the funds going to help establish heart-start defibrillators in the south Lochaber villages. To everyone who bought a ticket or donated one of the fabulous prizes, another huge thank you.

How winter at Clachaig should look

Read more about the 32 years of our lectures on our web site. Got some ideas or some feedback for us? We'd love to hear it.

There's still time for some of this before spring arrives

We thoroughly intend being back for year number 33. Planning starts in September and we'll be back in the Boots Bar on Tuesday evenings in February 2018. Till then, stay safe out there!