Mountain Skills 2 in The Blackstairs Mountains

Mountain Skills 1 and 2, is a nationally accredited course by the Mountain Training Board of Ireland and is delivered in an upland environment.
The aim of this course is to help you learn the skills you need to get out hiking:
independently, safely, responsibly in the mountains of Ireland, the UK and beyond.

In this course, you will acquire the skills to navigate with confidence using a map, a compass, and proper hiking equipment in any weather conditions. Whether it’s daytime, poor visibility, or nighttime (MS2), you will learn essential techniques. First and foremost, we will delve into map reading skills. Subsequently, we will explore the intricacies of using a compass for precise navigation.

Additionally, we’ll cover the importance of having the right hiking equipment to enhance your overall experience. Furthermore, the course will address navigating challenges during the day, in poor visibility, and at night, providing comprehensive training for varied scenarios. By the end of the program, you will be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for confident navigation in diverse conditions.
At the end of this course, you will have taken a big step forward in developing your own self-confidence and enjoyment in hiking.
Some hiking experience is essential before joining the scheme but, you don’t need to be an expert.

Mountain Skills course requirements: 

Registration with Mountaineering Ireland is essential in order to take part in the mountain skills courses and the registration fee is € 22 which covers:
– Access to the full Mountain Skills Scheme (MS, MS2 and MS Assessment)
– A digital and/or paper Logbook setting out the scheme and allowing to track your progress
– A discounted Mountaineering Ireland membership fee of €35, if you wish to join at the time of registration.
Any explanation and information will be given to you on training day.

The courses cover:

Mountain Skills 1.

Introduction and presentation of instructor and Mountaineering Ireland.
Maps and Map’s scales
Map reading, land and ground features
Contours and contour lines
Land features and ground features
Navigation Legs
Setting/orientating the map
Simple navigation techniques
Direction and Distance Estimation
The 5 D’s
Mountain Hazards: weather, human, topographic.
Grid reference
Timing and Pacing
Introduction to compass
Route planning
Route card

Mountain Skills 2.

Maps and map scales
Contours and contour lines
Timing and pacing
Introduction to compass
Compass bearing and magnetic variation
Measuring a bearing from map by estimation
Setting / orientating the map
3 methods for self-location
Navigation Techniques
Mountain Hypothermia
Recognition and Treatment
Emergency Procedures
Treatment of casualty
Late at night
Safe movement skills
Rivers and streams crossing

Each course is €120 / person, €100 for under 18 and small groups from 4 up to 6 people which includes:
Full course notes, tea breaks provided and a free hiking day practice.

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About the course provider.

My name is Emmanuel Chappard. I’m originally from the French and Swiss Alps on my Dad’s side and as part of our DNA. We are from a small village near Chamonix called Nancy sur Cluse and I spent part of my childhood in Servoz and Chamonix 74 Haute-Savoie.

Hiking and rock climbing is nothing new to me as I have been hiking from the age of 9 in the Chamonix valley.
Since then, I have been involved in the scouts as a group leader and spent one year in the French army in Germany as it was a compulsory duty at the time.

I have been living in Ireland since 1994 and I work as a woodwork teacher.
I’m a fully qualified mountain leader and a course director for Mountaineering Ireland and the UK. I’m fully insured, Garda vetted and I hold a Rec 3 first aid. In addition, I have been actively hiking ever since in the Alps (France, Germany, Austria and Italy) the Pyrenees, Scandinavia, the Czech Republic, in Canada and the US.

In addition to this, I regularly do hiking events included “Our Outdoors” and other events organised by Mountaineering Ireland, Carlow Tourism, Carlow Sport Partnership and Visit Wicklow.
If you have any questions please, don’t hesitate to contact me @: 00353 879691193
Email: aeaccom@gmail.com
Website: www.mountainadventures74.com

Kind regards,
Emmanuel Chappard