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Am not sure if I meet the skiing standard. Please tell me more?
Setting a ski standard is always difficult and subjective. We’re looking for a “good†standard of skiing which means you have likely skied a couple of weeks for at least 5 seasons. You ski at a decent pace and have the stamina to ski longer slopes without tiring when your legs are fresh. When tired or at the top end of your speed range, you’re skiing might get a bit ropey. You're a fairly consistent parallel skier and maybe have begun to carve, though your edges might start to skid on steeper, icier terrain at speed. Generally though you can ski in control on intermediate terrain. You’re probably one of the keenest, more adventurous skiers in your “gang†and enjoy exploring and pushing your standard. Above all you have a real drive to ski well and be the master of your planks on any terrain.
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Can non-medics come?
Absolutely. The medical training and content is highly relevant to the back country and expedition skier.
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How fit do I need to be and is age an issue?
It’s not a boot camp and there will be some on-mountain rest time when we stop to practice medicine or other mountain techniques. Otherwise we eschew long coffee breaks and will do as much quality skiing as time allows. Four skiing days on the trot will require you to be fairly fit and rested each day. We encourage you to come out at least a day before to blow the cobwebs and warm up (especially if it’s your first ski trip of the season). We’ll aim to finish any teaching sessions by early afternoon so if your legs are burning you can take extra breaks without missing the formal teaching. Read how to get fit for skiing. Luc and Barry are on the wrong side of 50 so age is no barrier!
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What are the accommodation arrangements and meals?
We propose grouping delegates into shared self-catering apartments if there's sufficient interest, otherwise there are accommodation options of all standards in Chamonix and we will advise you of these. For shared apartments, WMT will organise and coordinate this and charge it at cost – the total cost divided by the number of guests in the property. Of course we’ll put friends together and we won’t ask male and female strangers to share a bedroom. This is a convenient, sociable and cost effective option. Delegates can eat out together or self-cater as personal budgets allow. We expect that most people will book as "singles".
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How will the medical content be different to the normal Chamonix and Morocco courses?
WMT’s Medical Dr Harvey Pynn (MA FCEM DMM (UIAA) DMCC DTM&H) has a real passion for teaching the detailed physiology about the medical subjects on the programme – altitude medicine, trauma, cold and frostbite. Harvey’s up on the latest research and “thought leading†management of such problems. More depth, less breadth is the catchphrase of this special course and Harvey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the course from his emergency medicine and air ambulance work, the battlefield, and his mountain expedition achievements.
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What about flights, airport transfers, ski hire and the like?
All easy – or easyJet if you’ll forgive the pun. Flights from the UK are currently very cheap around the course dates. Easyjet flies to Geneva from all around the UK as do Jet2, Swiss and British Airways. Start with Skycanner to search for flights. It’s 1.5 hours transfer time to Chamonix. Use discount code WMT01 when booking Mountain Dropoff transfers or check out the new Easybus service. Arrange off piste ski travel insurance through Snowcard. Jeff and his team at Coquoz Mountain Shop in Chamonix will look after your needs for ski hire. You can use your own alpine skis/boots if you have them or hire them and touring skis as required. WMT will lend you an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel which you’ll need every day. Bring a 30L day pack and your normal ski clothes and you are set. The pre-trip dossier will have full details, more advice and a comprehensive kit list.
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There’s no snow in the Alps at the moment. Is this going to be a problem?
It’s early days! The snow always comes and early February is mid-season so it’s a great time to skill up before that spring ski touring trip you're keen to do comes around! Chamonix is one of the highest resorts in the Alps and has the glaciated Vallee Blanche starting at 3800m if conditions are unseasonably dry lower down.
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Sounds fantastic. I’m in. What do I need to do now?
Welcome! Please book online at Mountain Medicine on Skis where there are options to pay a deposit or in full. When you book, we’ll send you a pre-trip dossier and a questionnaire to find out more about your ski experience, accommodation needs etc. This will be a small course group so WMT will offer more individualised communication and support.
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Please don't hesitate to email or call me (my personal mobile number is below) to discuss your interest in the course. WMT will answer calls and emails over the holidays. I look forward to shredding some turns with you in Chamonix.
Barry Roberts
Commercial Director
+44 (0)7967 032930
email: wmt@wildernessmedicaltraining.co.uk
website: Wilderness Medical Training
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EM Consultant and mountain medicine guru Dr Harvey Pynn.
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Barry Roberts, long-time powder hound and expedition skier.
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WMT's charming French colleague Luc Bellon, IFMGA guide and ski instructor.
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