Mountain Skills training is divided into three blocks, MS1, MS2 and MS assessment. MS1 and MS2 are the basic training blocks covering all aspects of hillwalking that the candidate will require to become a self-sufficient hill user.
This course includes map-reading and simple navigation techniques, recognition of natural features, distance measurement and timing of walks. Mountain hazards are also covered, as is personal equipment such as correct clothing and emergency equipment.
This course builds on MS1. It covers the use of a compass, route-planning and the preparation of route cards, night navigation, scrambling, mountain rescue and emergency procedures.
MS1 and MS2 are generally run over two-day periods and comprise a mixture of indoor informal lectures/discussions and outdoor practical sessions.
The third block is a consolidation of skills learnt in MS1 and MS2, and is an opportunity for candidates to test their mountaineering proficiency to a prescribed standard. MS assessment is held over two days, and comprises both written and practical evaluation, including a night navigation exercise.
The Mountain Skills (MS) course provides a general introduction to hillwalking in Ireland. Offering a solid foundation for gaining personal mountaineering proficiency, it teaches the necessary skills in mountain safety, navigation techniques, knowledge of hazards, and personal equipment,so that a person finishing the course may be in a position to safely, and competently, take to the hills. The Mountain Skills scheme also provides foundation training for those who wish to progress to further leadership qualifications, such as the Mountain Leader (ML).
It is highly recommended that prospective candidates should have some previous hillwalking experience prior to undertaking MS training.
For more information check out the Mountaineering Ireland website.