IBSC advice for trip participants

In common with other mountaineering activities, ski touring has risks associated with it and participants should be aware of these risks* and accept responsibility for their own actions and involvement in line with the Mountaineering Scotland Participation Statement

Mountaineering Scotland recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks* and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

IBSC trips do not have leaders or supervisors. Instead each trip will have a Trip Contact who will help facilitate key discussions at the planning stage, at the beginning of the day and on the hill. We need to look after each other, so please be honest with yourself and others in your group about your abilities and fitness and make sure you arrive with the right kit** and the knowledge how to use it.

*Mountaineering Scotland advice here: https://www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/thinkwinter

** See IBSC ski touring equipment guidance notes

With the above in mind the following advice has been prepared to help you:

Registering for a club trip:

  • Before booking it is recommended you familiarise yourself with the trip grading system and by using it in conjunction with the booking page description ensure you are confident in the fitness, skills and knowledge likely to be required on the day.
  • Ensure that you have or can obtain the requisite equipment for a day out and are reasonably confident in its use. The web site club kit list guidance can help you decide what to take.
  • The club has the following equipment for loan which is free for members to borrow: two-way radios; avalanche transceivers, shovels and probes; group shelters; Igloo making tool.
  • Please contact the Equipment Secretary (equipment@ibsc.org.uk) for further information.
  • If you have any health/physical circumstances which may impact on the day which you would like to let the Trip contact or another participant know then please do so in advance.

Shortly before the trip

  • Make your own assessment of likely conditions underfoot and overhead on the hill with reference, for instance, to Met Office and/or MWIS mountain forecasts and to SAIS and your own assessment of reasonable routes, objectives and escape routes.
  • Ensure you are confident regarding rendezvous details and if not get in touch with the trip contact as required or via secretary@ibsc.org.uk
  • Pack your bag and check your kit the night before – this will save time and make it less likely that items are forgotten.

On the day of the Trip

  • The trip contact will facilitate a discussion which will include likely underfoot and overhead conditions across the hill and group decisions as the planned itinerary, key locations, alternative route options and escape routes.
  • You should carry out a transceiver check with other participants.
  • Amend your kit in line with anticipated conditions and the plan for the day. It is better to bring more than required to then leave unwanted items in the car than leave items at home.
  • If you wish to let someone know of a medical condition which may impact on the day then please do so.
  • The club recommends keeping group size to a maximum of 6. If the trip has more than 6 attending then you will need to contribute in the decision on how to split everyone into distinct independent groups.
  • Whilst the club does not operate a formal ‘buddying’ system it may be appropriate to informally pair up less experienced members with those who have more experience. Please participate in any such discussions
  • Finally, it is important you speak up at any point if you have any concerns, whether with regard to a proposed ascent/descent, weather/snow conditions, direction of travel, your own health, fitness or equipment or that of any other participant.

General

The club has a Code of Conduct which applies to member activities on day trips weekend trips & international trips, The code can be found in the policies section of the website & you are asked to familiarise yourself with it.

For further info please contact the Training and Safety Officer training@ibsc.org.uk or any other committee member.

IBSC Committee

December 2020