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Sun and fun on the Amalfi coast

Mountain Experience have just had a great week working in conjunction with “Explore!” on the Amalfi coast of Italy.

A team of 15 spent the week trekking and enjoying the incredible scenery on the Sorrentine Peninsular, with trips to Capri, Pompeii and Vesuvius included for good measure!

high above the valley floor

high above the valley floor

The beautiful Walk of the Gods takes the high ground between Bomerano and Nocelle high above the Mediterranean coastline before dropping down to Positano

The beautiful Walk of the Gods takes the high ground between Bomerano and Nocelle high above the Mediterranean coastline before dropping down to Positano

“We owe Nigel a big thank you” said Penny M on behalf of the group, “He’s been patient, informative, organised and above all fun!”

International Mountain Leader award

Mountain Experience are delighted to announce that Nigel Lewis has gained the prestigious International Mountain Leader award. It’s a mandatory requirement for working in some Alpine countries and recognised by 20 nations.
“I’ve had a great week” said Nigel. “I got to work with some fantastic people who helped to make the process such good fun.”

The award usually takes around three years to complete and tests a leader’s ability in both summer and winter environments.

just some of the kit carried by a winter IML

just some of the kit carried by a winter IML

 

Snowshoe trekking in the French Pyrenees

Snowshoe trekking in the French Pyrenees

 

Cambre D'Ase and Eyne Valley, Pyrenees Orientals

Cambre D’Ase and Eyne Valley, Pyrenees Orientals

Nigel Lewis passes IML summer assessment

Mountain Experience are pleased to announce that Nigel Lewis has passed the International Mountain Leader summer assessment.

The aim of the qualification is to enable qualified professionals to lead walking parties on high altitude treks and mountain expeditions. Whilst the qualification is specifically focused on mountaineering, it is equally appropriate for people who lead expeditions to any remote area. IMLs can be found leading groups on the major walking paths and expedition routes throughout the world.

To attain the qualification candidates must attend training courses in the UK and a winter training venue such as The Alps, Pyrenees or Norway. Then there are three separate tests; a speed navigation test, a four day long summer assessment and finally a five day long winter assessment. Nigel has successfully completed the first two tests and hopes to complete the final phase in 2015.

“I’m really pleased to pass the test and looking forward to the winter assessment.” said Nigel. “It’s been testing, rewarding and great fun!”

winter training in Norway

winter training in Norway

Winter Training for Mountain Experience staff

Nigel Lewis attended a week’s training in Norway as part of his International Mountain Leader course.

As well as spending every day snowshoe walking on the Hardangervidda plateau, the course included practical instruction on avalanche avoidance and snow appreciation, rescue scenarios, snow shelter construction, protecting clients on steep ground including snow anchors and step cutting, and of course lots of environmental appreciation.

The course was delivered by Plas Y Brenin, and it was the first time it has ever been held in Norway.

Mountain Experience winter training with Plas Y Brenin.

Mountain Experience winter training with Plas Y Brenin.

 

Straight after the course, Nigel was putting his new found knowledge into practice with a winter ascent of Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa’s Atlas Mountains.  The week long trip was part of a training package delivered by the leading company “World Challenge”  and Nigel joined other youth leaders for a series of scenario based exercises that were woven throughout the expedition.

Approaching the summit of Toubkal, Moroccan High Atlas.

Approaching the summit of Toubkal, Moroccan High Atlas.

Following the courses Nigel said, “It’s been a busy but extremely rewarding few weeks. The experiences gained will undoubtedly help Mountain Experience to deliver an excellent service to future clients.”

students in Norway using a transceiver to pinpoint a buried casualty

students in Norway using a transceiver to pinpoint a buried casualty

students in Norway getting to grips with navigation in snow covered terrain

students in Norway getting to grips with navigation in snow covered terrain

Nigel Lewis passes International Mountain Leader Speed Navigation Assessment

Marker flag on IML Speed Nav test

Marker flag on IML Speed Nav test

Congrats to Nigel Lewis who has just passed his Speed Navigation Test as part of the International Mountain Leader Award. The test consisted of navigating to marker flags spread over the side of Moel Siabod in Snowdonia. He was allowed a time of 2 hours 43 minutes and was delighted to romp home with 50 minutes to spare. Congratulations also to all the other aspirant leaders who passed on the same day.