Mountain Leader Refresher
Course
Mountain Leader Refresher Course in Snowdonia
Our Mountain Leader Refresher Course in Snowdonia is led by me, Stu McInnes, an experienced ML Course Director. This means you’ll receive the most up-to-date training aligned with the current syllabus, best practices, and professional standards required to pass your Mountain Leader assessment.
Whether you’re brushing up on essential skills or preparing for your assessment, we’ll tailor the course to your specific needs.
What we cover on an ML refresher course in Snowdonia:
- Navigation techniques and accuracy
- Rope-work skills and security on steep ground
- Confidence-building on challenging terrain
- Understanding fauna and flora of the region (a common topic of interest!)
- What is the level to pass an ML assessment?
Many of our participants come to refresh their skills after a break from working as an ML, aiming to regain currency before returning to the mountains.
Our courses are run in a relaxed, supportive environment where you can develop your skills at your own pace. Whether you join us for just a day or extend the course for a couple of days, you’ll leave feeling more confident and ready for your Mountain Leader assessment or to start leading in the mountains once again.
Why Choose Our ML Refresher Course?
Our courses are led by an experienced, highly qualified instructor with a genuine passion for the mountains. With decades of experience in the UK, Alps, US, Andes, Africa, and the Himalayas – both for personal adventure and as a guide – Stu has truly “been there and done it.” He’s also a trainer and assessor for the Mountain Leader qualification, so you can rest assured you’re in expert hands.
On this course, you’ll spend time in the hills with an active, passionate mountaineer who takes pride in delivering high-quality training tailored to your experience and goals. With Stu, you’ll be learning from someone who is fully up-to-date, working at the highest standard, and committed to ensuring you get the most from your time in the mountains.
DATES, PRICES & BOOKING
Minimum participants 2
1 DAY COURSE – £100pp
2 DAY COURSE – £200pp
Can’t quite find what you’re looking for or perhaps you’d rather alternative dates?
What is a Mountain Leader Refresher course, and do I need one?
Our Mountain Leader Refresher course is designed for individuals who have done the Mountain Leader (ML) training and are keen to recap their knowledge before assessment, but also for existing MLs who want to revisit and enhance their skills, ensuring they remain competent and confident in mountain leadership. It’s ideal for those looking to stay current with the evolving best practices in navigation, group management, risk assessment, and environmental considerations. If you’re planning on leading groups in the mountains, it’s essential to refresh your knowledge and skills regularly.
What will I cover on the refresher course?
Our Mountain Leader Refresher course focuses on key areas of mountain leadership, including:
- Advanced navigation techniques and poor visibility navigation
- Risk management in various mountain conditions
- Group management and leadership, including decision-making
- Interpreting weather forecasts and applying it to route planning
- Responding to emergency scenarios
- Security on steep ground and emergency ropework.
- The course is designed to ensure you leave feeling confident and prepared to lead groups in the mountains safely, or to proceed towards assessment.
Do I need to have any specific qualifications or experience to join the course?
Yes, to attend a refresher course, you must have attended the Mountain Leader (ML) training.
How long does the Mountain Leader Refresher course last, and when is it held?
Our Mountain Leader Refresher course in Snowdonia lasts two full days. The course runs regularly throughout the year, and we offer flexible dates to suit your schedule. You’ll spend both days in the mountains, with practical navigation exercises, group management drills, and decision-making scenarios in Snowdonia’s stunning mountain terrain.
Is transport and accommodation provided?
Transport and accommodation are not provided. We will meet on day one at a café near our venue for the day, there may be a possibility of car sharing from there. Subsequent days we will meet directly at the venue for the day.
What you need to bring
- Sturdy boots with good ankle support
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm clothing (layers for varying temperatures)
- Map, compass, and a watch for navigation
- A rucksack (around 30L)
- Headtorch
- Food and drink (packed lunch, water, and any snacks)
- First aid kit and emergency kit
- Helmet and rope (these can be borrowed)
If you’re unsure about any equipment, we can help guide you on what to bring.