Ever wondered what is Mountain Skills exactly? Well, here we have broke it down as simple as possible for you.
What is Mountain Skills?
The Mountain Skills (MS) Series is divided into three blocks, MS1, MS2 and MS Assessment. It plays a specific role in the BOS Scheme of mountain training and assessment. It provides all the basic skills required to walk safely and competently in Ireland, when accompanied with people of similar ability. The training does not include leadership skills/techniques and it isn’t a qualification to lead others in the hills. It is suitable for beginners to those with considerable experience.
Who is affiliated with the Mountain Skills Series?
The Mountain Skills (MS) series is affiliated with Mountaineering Ireland (MI) and Bord Oiliúint Sléibhe (BOS) both of which have different roles. The MI is the National Governing Body for the sport of mountaineering, while BOS administers the mountain training, sets syllabi and standards.
What topics are covered in the Mountain Skills Series?
All Mountain Skills Training courses are run under the guidelines set down by BOS (Bord Oiliúint Sléibhe) which is responsible for setting the syllabi and standards of mountain training in Ireland.
Below is a guideline to what you will learn on our courses.
The Mountain Skills 1 training will introduce you to:
- Map reading
- Personal Equipment
- Contour recognition
- Timing and pacing
- Grid references
- Mountain Hazards
- Route Planning
- Leave No Trace Policy
The Mountain Skills 2 training will introduce you to:
- Further map navigation
- Introduction to compass
- Night navigation
- Steep/Broken ground work
- Macro navigation
- Flora & Fauna
- Emergency procedures
In addition, at Mór Active we like to add more to your mountain knowledge so we also include other topic areas such as history & folklore, environmental awareness issues, flora & fauna and geology.
What is the training structure?
Both Mountain Skills 1 & 2 are two day courses which will begin on the Saturday of each course date at 9:00am and finishes on the Sunday of each course date at 6:00pm. There is a night navigation session involved in Mountain Skills 2, in which you get get to experience night time navigation with a compass, map and other beneficial tools.
YOUR TRAINING INCLUDES
- Professional and experienced instructors
- Training course notes/Logbook
- Personalized feedback
- Use of training equipment e.g. maps and compasses
- Transport from and to training base
- Tea & Coffee
TRAINING COST: €130 per person
WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR TRAINING?
In terms of equipment/gear/provisions that you will need, we recommend that you bring the following:
- Basic weather proof clothing e.g. rain jacket/trousers
- Suitable walking clothing e.g. a warm fleece
- Hat and gloves
- A rucksack
- Good walking boots with ankle support
- A watch for timing
- OSI laminated map of training area
- A compass – preferably a Silva Type 4 Expedition
- Head Torch
- Water (1 litre approximately)
- Food/Snacks
*If you are unable to acquire some or any of the above recommended list, please feel free to contact us and we will try to facilitate you the best we can.
