Winter Teams Training
Course Summary
The course has several functions:
- Initial training and familiarisation in the key skills required for living and working off base in the Antarctic such as campcraft, navigation, search and rescue techniques, glacier travel techniques & response to emergency’s (where appropriate)
- Equipment familiarisation
- The chance to work closely with and get to know your fellow winterers and other staff
This is a foundation course only and you will receive further training when you are South.
WTT Programme
In 2025, Rothera winterers will attend Rock UK Frontier Centre in Northamptonshire from 5th to 7th Sept and KEP/Bird Island winterers will be based at Bens Bunkhouse in Snowdonia from 4th to 7th Sept.
Return transport to/from BAS Cambridge will be provided.
WTT will be delivered by BAS Field Operations Managers and Field Staff.
The courses will include introductions to much of the following with the islands focussing more on exposure and management on steep terrains:
- Tents, emergency shelters and what to do if caught out in the open
- Ropework: harnesses, knots, tying in
- Stoves, lanterns and carbon monoxide dangers
- Field food and hygiene
- Searching techniques: Map and compass
- Field communications
- Jumaring, abseiling and high ropes (Rothera WTT)
- Hauling systems
- Navigation exercises
- White out exercises
- Stretcher exercises
Accommodation
You will be accommodated for the duration of the course, with:
Rothera WTT being accommodated in dorms, bedding is provided but you need to bring a personal towel and toiletries etc.
Islands WTT being accommodated in a bunkhouse. Field Ops will contact you to arrange additional requirements such as sleeping bags, etc but you’ll still need to bring a personal towel and toiletries.
Clothing, Boots and waterproofs
Waterproof clothing and robust outdoor footwear are essential – along with spare dry warm clothing!
Rothera WTT will also include an activity on water, please bring a dedicated set of clothes and trainer that are able to get wet.
Food
Meals will be prepared communally on site and food will be provided. Please ensure you let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements.
Information for Field Guides
Field Guides will have some time for familiarisation with the equipment before Field Course participants arrive. All Field Guides are expected to act as instructors on the course, but newly recruited Field Guides will be teamed with experienced ones when instructing.