Public Website

Public Website

A volunteer is sought to assume complete editorial control of the Club’s quarterly Newsletter from the end of 2011, soliciting content, selecting that which is most appropriate, liaising with our proof-reader and interfacing directly with the graphics designer who takes care of layout. If this challenge is of genuine interest to you, please contact the Club Secretary via the AAC(UK) Office for further details.  

Photos by Allan Hartley

Members

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Invitation

The largest UK Mountaineering Club
warmly invites you to
Search this website,
check our Programme of Events
view our answers to
Frequently Asked Questions
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Austrian Alpine Club
check our Site Map 
Contact Us
and Join

Membership includes at no extra charge:

  • Mountain Rescue Insurance: worldwide, without age limit and inclusive of repatriation;
  • Alpine Hut Rights; members' discounts at huts belonging to the national mountaineering federations.

Joining is easy and is explained on our Membership page

 

Snowshoeing

Snowshoes enable the wearer to traverse soft snow fields without sinking in, by distributing the body weight over a much greater area than provided by ordinary boots.  It is an easy alternative to touring skis, requiring virtually no training or expertise, and it can be as easy or strenuous as you wish to make it.

In most winters the Club runs at least one snowshoe meet in Austria or elsewhere. For snowshoeing in Austria the UK Meet Organiser will work with Alpenverein Bergsteigerschule in Innsbruck to work out a suitable programme at the chosen level, usually intermediate, with accommodation based at a hotel or hut. For this type of activity the tour is always accompanied by a professionally qualified IFMGA English-speaking guide.

Snowshoeing is also possible in the UK, whenever there is sufficient snow cover, as has been the case during the recent 2010 winter, but you would need to have some understanding of snow slopes and avalanche awareness before venturing out across such areas as the Cairngorm Plateau. Unless you are an experienced winter mountaineer you would be wise to employ a mountain professional to ensure you stay on safe ground.

What Skills do I need for Snowshoeing?

No particular skills are needed as the technique is quickly acquired after a few hours walking in snowshoes.

What Kit do I need for Snowshoeing?

Snowshoes.You will obviously require a pair of snow shoes, which may either be owned or hired.

Ski Poles.You will also require a pair of ski sticks (aka ski poles). If using trekking poles ensure they are fitted with large diameter snow bales/baskets.

Clothing and Other Kit. You will need the all of the usual winter kit that you would normally use in Scotland. Whilst both Scotland and the Alps can provide some incredibly sunny days, strong cold winds can be encountered and your kit needs to reflect this.

  • Headgear. As well as using a jacket with an adjustable hood, a thermal hat and balaclava are useful additions.
  • Eye Protection. Quality sun glasses are essential at alpine altitudes. Goggles should always be carried to keep spindrift out of your eyes whenever heading upwind.
  • Body Protection. Several base layers and a windproof outer jacket with adjustable hood that can be drawn tight around the face should be carried. 
  • Leg Protection. Quality winter mountaineering trousers are a good idea but good old fashioned long johns under normal mountaineering trousers are just as good.
  • Footwear. Stiff-soled winter mountaineering boots are preferred, since snowshoe straps can become uncomfortable after prolonged use if you are wearing lightweight bendy boots.
  • Gloves. If you allow your hands to get too cold you will not be able to put your snow shoes on or off, so you will need your usual tried and tested winter glove combination.
  • Other Personal Kit. In your rucksack you should carry spare clothing, gloves and eye protection, and consider the wisdom of a head torch (winter days can be very short), lip salve and sun block.
  • Avalanche Rescue Kit. If you are venturing anywhere with an avalanche risk each member of your party should carry a snow shovel, a telescopic avalanche probe and an avalanche transceiver; and know how to use them! If you are snowshoeing with the Club in Austria, this kit will be provided by the Bergsteigerschule and you will be trained in its use, otherwise you will need to buy or hire it.

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 Last updated 03 December 2010