Surviving The Slopes With An Ice Axe

Climbers from across the RAF have been training in the Highlands of Scotland in preparation for an ambitious challenge to mark the centenary of the service.

The organisers of the Himalayan Venture are looking for 80 climbers from the across the RAF, including Reserves, Air Cadets and University Air Squadron to train for the trek in the summer of 2018.

Squadron Leader Peter McCreedy says the training is part of a process to choose the climbers.

"The aim is to unite all elements of the RAF mountaineering community -  so we can select the final team to take to Nepal".

The training sessions aim to teach the climbers the vital skills they’ll need on some of the world’s most demanding slopes. 

Conditions on the Himalayas can be severe so the climbers need to be able to dig survival holes so they can wait out the weather. 

Flight Lieutenant Nigel Painter says it's vital to learn the life-saving skills. 

"A snow hole is for emergency shelter - if you've got all the right kit it can be quite comfortable" 

Four teams will be assembled for the expedition which will also mark 70 years since the founding of the RAF Mountaineering Association