To the Valleys

As far as outdoor course and instructors go, you won't get better than Plas Y Brenin. Located in the heart of Snowdonia, north Wales. Plas Y Brenin is just two hours from Manchester Airport and four hours from London. All mountain guides of every nationality will train here at some point in their apprenticeships. If you are going to do a mountain course, does this not seem like the place to go? The Welsh mountains are equal in splendor to the Scottish Highlands and can match them for craggy peaks, rolling heath and Arctic winter conditions. These mountain like their cousins in the north are very harsh and unforgiving, claiming several poor souls every season.

Hey Ma, Look at Me!

You will be challenged on the winter survival skills course. The three day introduction is a basic how to operate in the hostile environments of the mountains in winter. This is the starting point for any outdoor enthusiast. You need a good base from which to improve. These skills can be utilized on any outward bound foray into the backcountry. Be it as a Skier, Boarder or Snowshoer. How to safely navigate terrain and return home are the fundaments of any backcountry travel.

What's in it For me?

All food and accommodation is provided at their fantastically situated mountain hideaway. They even have their own bar. You will travel to the various locations used for lessons, either by foot or on a short ride in the team bus. A short list of what to bring will be sent to you before course commencement. It's mainly personal items, as they provide all safety gear and mountaineering equipment (boots, crampons etc). Some general map and compass knowledge is required, but nothing more than the average person doesn't already possess.

I'll Have a Bud Light?

The first evening is a get to know everyone session and lecture on what to expect from the coming days. It's done in the bar, where all good meetings take place. The local beer can pack quiet the punch. So be wary, and don't ask for light anything, no softies here! Oh yeah, the pint is bigger here too. Equipment will be given out along with packing instructions. You'll also have a chance for a Q & A session with their highly experienced guides.

The Mountains in Texas are Bigger!

Most of the peaks in Great Britain top out at a respectable 3000 to 4000 feet, bear in mind you will start out from sea level on all upward travel. Non of this drive or ride to the start point nonsense. The winters are very severe, with most of the UK being on the lower edge of the Arctic Circle. Scotland is on the same latitude as Alaska. It's a well placed winter training ground to prove your worth.

Getting your hands on an Ordnance Survey map (OS), the official map makers of Great Britain, will help immensely when it comes to the navigation exercises. Available from www.rockrun.com. The Weather can be fickle at best in the winter. Some of the fiercest winds lash the mountains and being surrounded by water means the temps dip into the minuses regularly. But don't worry someone will be there to hold your hand and keep you warm mountain man.

Who's your Daddy?

The first day's lessons will consist of essential skills like planning your adventure which encompasses; equipment selection, what's essential versus what's nice to have and route selection. The most important skill, leaving a detailed route and return time plan with someone who will call for help should you not return (ex girlfriends are not a good choice, or the dog). Once on the mountain subjects like self arrest, terrain assessing, navigation and various "what to do in the event of..." scenarios are taught by a team that has seen it all. This sounds like common sense, right?

I Want Some More

Days two and three are spent putting all your newly acquired skills into practice. Here's your chance to excel and return home with a new bag of tricks to wow the chicas with your new found mountain savvy. It's not all work though. The evenings are free for you to roam into town. Betwys Y Coed, (don't try to pronounce it until after you've spoken with a local), is a very picturesque town that sits at the bottom of the valley. Dotted with bars and restaurants, you are sure to find a comfy little hideaway to share your tales of surviving in the mountains for days by eating your climbing ropes and boots.

Come, get Some

Prices range from $420 for the three day package, all the way up to the $1600 bad boy big mountain expedition in the Scottish highlands. Neither course will disappoint, but start off with small Grizzly Adams.

For more details contact PYB on 01144 (0) 1690 720214 or visit www.pyb.co.uk. All major airlines fly into Manchester. American Airlines has a six hour jaunt from Chicago daily. Car rentals are very cheap with compacts running from $30 per day. For the more adventurous, rail may be the way to go. The fares are reasonable and the train network is very extensive. Check out www.britrail.com for fares and schedules.

Written by Bear O'Toole.