Highlands conditions prime Perse pupils for Himalayan challenge

With the PES Summit 12 Himalayas expedition on the horizon, 25 Perse pupils made for the heart of the Scottish Highlands during half term break.

Situated close to the Cairngorm mountains and easily accessed via the ski road network, the Glenmore Hostel once again served as our winter training base. This year brought exceptional conditions. Deep snowpack and fully developed ice features created an authentic winter environment, offering a wealth of opportunities for skill development and exploration.

Before pupils arrived, our instructors completed a programme of winter training and refreshers, including avalanche procedures and crevasse rescue techniques, to ensure the highest standards of safety and instruction.

The first group to travel north was PES Summit 12, preparing for their high‑altitude expedition to the Indian Himalayas in August 2026. Their programme focused on essential winter mountaineering skills, from the correct use of crampons and ice axes to transceiver‑based avalanche rescue using shovels and probes. These technical sessions were combined with medical and emergency‑response training, during which pupils practised trauma management, patient assessment and evacuation methods. The trip culminated in a large‑scale scenario involving the rescue and safe evacuation of an avalanche casualty. It was an intense and highly productive week, with pupils making full use of their time in Scotland.

The second group to arrive comprised Year 9–13 pupils participating in the OPEN Winter Trip, an inclusive opportunity for any pupil — regardless of previous outdoor experience — to engage in adventurous winter activities. They enjoyed a fresh fall of snow, which made for excellent sledging and even an igloo‑building session. As weather conditions later deteriorated, with strong winds across the summits, the group shifted to a challenging but rewarding day tackling lower peaks and learning to adapt to changing mountain environments.

Overall, pupils experienced outstanding winter conditions, developed new skills through engaging and challenging activities, and enjoyed time together in a beautifully historic Highland setting.