Mountain Leader Training Association - Conference

11th November 2006

On 11th November the Mountain Leader Training Association held its first National Conference hosted by Mountain Training Trust at their Plas y Brenin centre in Snowdonia. This was the first major event to be held by this fledgling organisation. This fledgling has however grown considerably since its launch last February. It already has over 800 members all of who hold or are pursuing the awards administered by Mountain Leader Training UK.

In marked contrast to the rest of the mild autumn, the weather was very windy with a few showers. This did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the delegates. With over 70 people booked in a busy time was expected. However even more people turned up un-announced. Due to a few people failing to turn up we were eventually able to accommodate everyone. The workshops were however very full indeed.

As an association set up with the aim of supporting leaders and instructors the MLTA had organised the Conference as a way of providing training opportunities and hence continuing professional development for its members. The secondary aim was to provide members with the opportunity to meet and communicate face to face as up until that time the main vehicle for member’s communications was the MLTA website (www.mlta.co.uk). Both aims were fully achieved.

The workshops covered a wide selection of indoor and outdoor subjects relevant to mountaineering leaders: The National Navigation Award Scheme, Multi-pitch Climbing Skills, Qualifications for the UK & Overseas, Teaching navigation Skills, the Higher Awards, Incident Reports/Lessons Learned, Rope-work for Mountain Leaders, Best Practice in Mountain & Crag Leadership & Coaching Climbing Movement Skills.

      Introduction by Steve Long MLTUK Chief Officer             Coaching Climbing Movement Skills                  A full house

The workshops were staffed by highly experienced practitioners from Glenmore Lodge, Plas y Brenin, AALA, Mountain Leader Training UK & Mountain Leader Training England. Thus a top quality event was assured.

Between & following the workshops members had ample opportunity to extend their networks of friends and fellow members. The final roundup in the afternoon also allowed those present to express their views on how the MLTA should serve their needs best in the future. A number of very interesting developments were discussed. The candidates were very pleased with the program that had been provided for them and gave excellent feedback both verbally and in written form.

Keith enjoying the scramble                                        View from Pen yr Ole Wen                                        The scramble crux

As quite a few members had travelled long distances to attend the conference they were eager enjoy the local mountains before going home. So following the conference groups of varying size gathered to plan for the next day. I met with a number of people in the Plas y Brenin bar that evening and the following day spent an excellent day scrambling on Pen yr Ole Wen and walking in the Carneddau. In good (and very competent) company I had an excellent day.

Scrambling in the Carneddau                                        The MLTA scramblers                                                Descent from Carnedd Llewelyn

My thanks go to all those involved in making the conference such a success. The list on those who have supported the event is too long to include here but particular thanks must go to those who gave up their time to provide the workshops and to the members who supported the event. Without the support of both those groups it simply wouldn’t have happened.

Phill Thomas

Development Officer - MLTA