Now is the time to #ThinkWINTER

Now is the time to #ThinkWINTER

As the weather turns colder, and with more snow forecast to fall over the next few weeks, mountain safety organisations are coming together to encourage people to ‘ThinkWINTER’ and ensure that those heading for Scotland’s winter hills and mountains can easily access the right information and advice.

With more people than ever before going out into the Scottish mountains, it’s important for people to know where to find the information they need to plan winter days out. But with so much content now available online, it can be hard to know which sources to trust.  To cut through the misinformation, Scotland’s leading mountain experts have teamed up again for the annual ThinkWINTER campaign – providing clear, relevant, and knowledgeable sources of information on winter activities.

Scotland’s volunteer mountain rescue teams have also been preparing for the winter season and assisting anyone who gets into difficulty in the mountains. Scottish Mountain Rescue Chair, Bill Glennie, said: “Do go out into the outdoors and enjoy Scotland’s mountains when many would say they are at their finest, but do it safely, with the appropriate skills and equipment, as highlighted in the #ThinkWINTER campaign. And remember, if you are lost, injured and in need of assistance or in an emergency, dial 999 ask for POLICE then MOUNTAIN RESCUE.”

Inspector Matt Smith, Police Scotland’s MRT lead added, “We are delighted to support this year’s ThinkWINTER campaign and with the first real winter conditions set to hit in the coming days being prepared and properly planning for being in our hills becomes ever more important.  As ever, our amazing volunteer mountain rescue teams will be there to support those in difficulty right through the season whatever the weather.”

Mountaineering Scotland’s Senior Mountain Safety Advisor, Ross Cadie, explained: “When winter arrives in Scotland’s mountains, we need to make sure we do our homework before heading out. Planning and preparation from trusted sources and matching your adventure to your level of skill and conditions will help you return home safely.”

Now in its fifth year, the ThinkWINTER campaign is a joint venture between Mountaineering Scotland, Scottish Mountain Rescue, Mountain Training Scotland, Glenmore Lodge, Developing Mountain Biking Scotland, Snowsport Scotland, The Scottish Avalanche Information Service and Police Scotland.

Mark Diggins, from The Scottish Avalanche Information Service, said “Cold temperatures and the arrival of the first winter snowfall is an exciting time for all those who enjoy the winter mountains – we provide winter avalanche hazard information to help with your choices and planning. Even on those first days, ThinkWINTER and be switched on from day one.”

ThinkWINTER will continue throughout the winter season, providing useful information, updates and tips, shared across the organisations’ social media platforms and websites, as well as a series of winter skills talks, all using the hashtag #ThinkWINTER.

Picture credit: Tweed Valley MRT