Training
Mountain Skills
Movement over steep and exposed ground, weather judgement and managing objective hazard.
Course overview
About this training
Mountain Skills prepares you for higher, steeper and more exposed terrain. It is where hiking experience meets real mountain judgement.
You will learn to move efficiently on steep ground, read weather and hazards, plan objectives and make conservative decisions. Safety and patience are central.
Learning objectives
What you will achieve
You will be able to move safely on mountainous terrain and judge when to continue or turn back.
- Move efficiently and safely on steep ground
- Assess weather and objective hazards
- Plan mountain routes and turnaround times
- Manage layers, energy and altitude
- Use appropriate mountain equipment
- Make sound go or no-go decisions
What participants learn
Skills and knowledge
Mountain skills combine movement, judgement and preparation.
- Steep and loose ground movement
- Weather and cloud development reading
- Objective hazard assessment
- Route planning and navigation
- Nutrition, hydration and altitude care
- Turnaround discipline and decision making
Training structure
How the training runs
Progressive training culminating in a supervised mountain day.
Mountain foundations
Terrain, hazards, weather and preparation for high ground.
Movement skills
Efficient and safe movement on steep, rough and exposed ground.
Supervised objective
Apply planning, movement and judgement on a real route.
Program details
Level and duration
- Level
- Explore (Level three)
- Duration
- 2–3 days
- Format
- Field based, progressive
- Prerequisite
- Good hiking fitness and navigation
Recommended preparation
How to prepare
A solid hiking base and reasonable fitness are essential.
- Build hiking fitness with hill walks
- Complete navigation and camping training first
- Test boots and layers before the course
- Prepare for long days and variable weather
Safety
Safety in training
In the mountains, safety is judgement, and judgement is trained.
- Objective planning and risk assessment
- Continuous weather and condition monitoring
- Conservative turnaround times
- Clear group roles and communication
- Emergency descent and contact planning
Certificate information
Certificate framework
Completion may be recognised with a Track Twenty Six Certificate of Participation for mountain skills.
This is an internal participation record rather than an external or accredited qualification.
Related training
Train for this next
Build the skills that make this activity safer, smoother and more rewarding.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need climbing experience?
Not necessarily. Mountain Skills focuses on movement and judgement on steep ground, though some objectives may involve exposed terrain.
How fit must I be?
You need a good hiking fitness base capable of consecutive long days with a pack.
Is altitude involved?
Some objectives involve altitude. Acclimatisation and symptom awareness are covered.
Can I go straight to this course?
We recommend first completing navigation and building hiking fitness, as mountain terrain demands both.
Registration
Ready to train with us?
Registration is completed through our team, who will confirm the program framework, schedule and requirements with you.