Page 98 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

96
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Exercise CANICE is a JSMTC Winter Climbing concentration to Western Canada, which took place over the period 28 Nov - 12 Dec 15. This concentration was based at Trails
End Camp and used the Kananskis, Banff and Jasper Provincial/ National Parks. 10 students and 5 instructional staff participated which afforded a 1:2 instructional ratio, plus a couple of staff in support, who helped with running the training programme and scouting new venues for subsequent training days.
The accommodation at Trails End Camp, whilst off the beaten track, is not too far from Calgary and gives relatively (driving an hour is just around the corner in Canadian terms!) easy access to excellent introductory steep ice climbs as well as more involving multi pitch routes in the Canmore and Banff areas. Whilst a good base, it is also an enjoyable place to stay with helpful staff. The Exercise is pretty much dependent on the camp for its logistic
EX CANICE
Flt Sgt S Gleave RAF
Student Climbing Steep Ice
The JSMTC Winter Concentration was run over the period of 31 Jan - 12 Feb 16. The concentration was delivered around the mountainous areas of the West, East and North Scotland and all local training areas, (subject to weather and avalanche conditions), were utilized. The concentration is primarily aimed at those wishing to follow the Joint Service Winter Mountaineering scheme, whether climbing or winter walking, all delivered under the guidance of Type 4 Instructors here at Ballachulish.
This was my rst concentration to co-ordinate, so needless to say I was little bit apprehensive to take on one of JSMTC’s biggest UK based
Students under training
support, and we are grateful for all their assistance. We also utilized private accommodation (very cheap motels with no frills!) further a eld in order to cut down the driving time and gave us access to climbs in the Lake Louise and Field areas.
Of the 10 students, ve successfully attained the Winter Climbing Leader quali cation; the remainders are well on the way to gaining an award. Undoubtedly, Ex CANICE is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience climbing overseas and I am sure all the students would agree that climbing in Canada is a valuable addition to any mountaineering repertoire.
If you are interested in attending please visit the ATG (A) website where you will also nd a plethora of information regarding other courses and concentrations.
WINTER CONCENTRATION
SSgt (SSI) S Mayled RAPTC
A team nishing on Coire an t-Sneachda Cairngorms