A winter skills course is as important as the map and compass that you carry and the winter clothing that you wear. A winter skills course will teach you how to cope with the weather, conditions, navigation and safety in the great outdoors. Many Scottish courses, including those run by Abacus Mountaineering, also give participants vital details about how to be alert for avalanches. Here’s my article about winter skills courses written in the Sunday Mail. 16 (19) 17 (20)