What is Mountain Skills?

The Mountain Skills (MS) Series 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 will be covered in the Mountain Skills series?

All our Mountain Skills Training courses are run under the guidelines set down by BOS (Bord Oiliúint

Sléibhe) and topics include map reading, using a compass, pacing and timing, night navigation.

In addition, we 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, geology and much more. Below is a guideline to what you will be learning on our courses.

The Mountain Skills 1 training will introduce you to:

1. Personal Equipment

2. Contour Features

3. Navigational Tools – 5 D’s, Timing and Pacing

4. Grid references

5. Mountain Hazards

6. Route Planning

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

Mountain Skills Assessment (MSA):

This is an opportunity for candidates to test their mountaineering proficiency to a prescribed standard. A Mountain Skills Assessment is held over two days, and comprises both written and practical evaluation, including a night navigation exercise.

Before attending a MSA you should ensure the following:

1. you should log a minimum of 14 hill/mountain walks in a variety of upland areas of Ireland

2. at least four of these walks should be within two months of the MSA

3. hold a valid first aid qualification e.g. Level 2 Rescue Emergency Care or Remote Emergency Care

For further details on Mountain Skills Assessments you can contact us at Mor Active and we will be happy to assist.