International Mountain Guide Bruce Goodlad looks at the skills needed for safe mountaineering and suggests ways in which they can be learnt.

Before you set off, you must be as well prepared as possible to avoid any mishaps or inconvenience. Bruce Goodlad looks at the preparations for a winter walking or mountaineering trip.

It is so easy to forget vital items of equipment when going to the winter hills for a walking or mountaineering trip. Bruce Goodlad lays out a checklist of things to prepare before you leave home and what to take with you.

Group management issues relating to other walking activities such as hill walking or rambling are equally applicable to winter walking but in winter the importance of pre-planning, weather interpretation, composition of the group, equipment being used, etc. are exaggerated by the higher degree of risk.

Scott Muir offers some valuable information on dealing with emergencies and looks at ways of avoiding them.

Moving on snow and ice can be a tricky business. But like any activity, understanding and mastering the key skills will make you proficient, efficient and safe. Allen Fyffe explains how to use your boots as tools to maintain your security.

Crampons are a foolproof way to traverse ice or hard, slippery snow - provided you know how to use them. Allen Fyffe shows you how to master them quickly and safely.

Possessing an ice axe is one thing - knowing how to use is quite another. On snow or ice your ice axe is your most valuable asset. Allen Fyffe explains the key techniques to get you out of trouble.