Ireland 7 Summits Winter challenge

Itinerary

Friday 21st – Arrive Hutt Hostel
• 6.30pm dinner (optional)
• 8.00pm Winter challenge briefing

Saturday 22nd – The Hutt Hostel
• 5am breakfast
• 6am hike starts
• 6pm hike finish
• 7pm celebration meal & Certificates

Winter Base
The Hutt Hostel
Friendly atmosphere and affordable accommodation situated a few hundred yards from the seafront and the sort of golden sandy beaches in ‘sunny’ Newcastle County Down and only a 5-minute walk to the foot of the glorious Mourne Mountains. We have 72 beds available including ‘The Padd’ – a self-contained apartment with its own kitchen, shower room, toilet, and lounge. Being in the heart of the town means there are plenty of pubs and restaurants nearby.
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Getting Winter Ready:
Ireland 7 Summits guide – John O Brien


Gear Overview:
Ireland’s winter mountains are unpredictable. Conditions can change in an instant. What feels calm in the valley can be fierce and wild on those summits. To ensure your safety and comfort, the following gear is considered essential for our high-level winter hill walking challenge. Arriving fully prepared is not optional, it is part of our ethos of respect for the mountain and for yourself.
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Gear List
🎒 Backpack / Rucksack
• Size: 30–40 litres with waist and chest strap
• Use a dry bag liner (or heavy-duty refuse sack)
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🧥 Waterproofs / Windproofs
• Jacket & Over-trousers: (Gore-Tex, eVent or similar)
👉 Equipment Partner: Mammut
👉 More info: Choosing a suitable rain jacket >> Click Here
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👖 Legwear
• Mountain trousers: stretchy, quick-dry, allow free movement
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👕 Base & Mid Layers
Several thin layers are better than one thick layer for easy temperature control.
• Base Layer: Moisture-wicking. Avoid cotton
• Mid Layer: Fleece or wool. Microfleece is excellent
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🥾 Footwear & Socks
Break in new boots before the event to avoid blisters.
• Good quality, waterproof, comfortable, supportive mountain boots
• Trail shoes are not acceptable for winter
👉 More info: Choosing mountain boots >> Click Here
• Socks: Non-cotton, high-wicking hiking socks. Carry a spare pair
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🧢 Headwear
• Warm hat or cap
• Buff / balaclava for wind and cold
• Lip balm & sun protection recommended
• Sunglasses
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🧤 Gloves / Mitts
• Insulated waterproof gloves or mitts
• Spare gloves strongly advised
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🥤 Food & Hydration
• Two litre water
• Hot flask tea or soup recommended in winter
• Lunch & Snacks: Energy-rich, slow-release carbs (sandwiches, pasta, wraps)
• Sugar snacks (Jelly babies, bounty bars)
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🔧 Additional Recommended Items
• Head torch
• Trekking poles (reduce knee strain, improve balance)
• Emergency first aid
• Personal storm shelter
• Whistle
• 1.4m sling
• Phone (waterproof seal)
• Small power-bank & lead
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Winter Mountain Master Class
Each evening, we’ll deepen our learning delivering our Winter Mountain Master Class with engaging, hands-on sessions designed to build your winter mountain skills, confidence, and self-reliance. From navigation to high-altitude strategy and winter kit refinement, these evening masterclasses ensure you gain more than just elevation — you gain mastery.

Safety & Skills
• Avalanche Awareness: Review the principles of avalanche formation, signs of unstable snow, and safe travel techniques.
• Mountain Weather: Interpret weather forecasts for International Mountains and understand how changes can impact the climb.
• Navigation & Route Planning: Talk about using maps, compasses, and GPS, and review the planned route for the next day.
• Equipment Maintenance: Dedicate time to checking and maintaining gear, such as boots, crampons, and outerwear, to ensure it’s in top condition.
• First Aid & Altitude Sickness: Review essential first-aid techniques and discuss symptoms and management of altitude sickness.
• Nutrition & Hydration: Review the importance of staying properly hydrated and fuelled, especially in a cold, high-altitude environment.

Teamwork & Leadership
• Communication: Emphasise the importance of clear, concise communication within the group.
• Group Dynamics: Discuss how the team can support each other, particularly under stress or during difficult sections of the climb.
• Leadership: Talk about how different team members can take on leadership roles depending on the situation.
• Trust & Support: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable asking for and offering help.
• Discomfort & Growth: Reflect on how facing discomfort on the mountain can lead to personal and team growth.

Environment & Culture
• Local Culture & Etiquette: Share some basic knowledge of Moroccan culture and customs to foster respectful interactions with locals.
• Environmental Responsibility: Discuss Leave No Trace principles and how to minimise the team’s impact on the mountain environment.
• Local Geography: Talk about the specific features and challenges of the Atlas Mountains.

Personal & Reflective
• Goal Setting: Discuss the team’s overall goal and individual motivations for the challenge.
• Reflection: Allow time for team members to share their experiences, challenges, and successes from the day.
• Mental Resilience: Talk about strategies for maintaining a positive mindset and managing stress during the expedition.

Final Words
Your gear is your lifeline in winter conditions. At Jason Black Mountaineering, we set the gold standard in preparation, safety, and leadership. Equipped correctly, you’ll not only endure the Irish winter mountains — you’ll thrive in them.

Jason Black Mountaineering
The Elite Guiding Team