Ever wondered what it's like to be avalanched? We interviewed Neil Johnson - British Mountain Guide and presenter of the BMC Winter Lectures - to find out more.

Neil has climbed and worked in the mountains for nearly 20 years. Early on he found a love for the Scottish mountains in winter and spent over ten seasons exploring and helping people to get the most from their time in the mountains. He currently lives in Chamonix and splits his time between there and the UK. 

Q. When and where did the avalanche happen?
I was hit by a slide as I was climbing easy ground above the route “Tower scoop” on Ben Nevis.

Q. Who were you with?
I was with my girlfriend at the time Vicci who I had climbed with for many years.

Q. What happened?
It was a wild and blustery day. We decided to try and snatch a quick route after a late start. After toping out we had to climb easy ground leftwards into tower gully. I was a long way out from the belay and was hit, from above, by an avalanche. It swept me back over the edge of the cliff, down the route and after bouncing off a few ledges I came to a stop. Vicci, understandably was unable to hold the fall and I went about 80m in total. Fortunately the belay held & I was relatively un-injured although very shaken.

Q. Were you scared?
It all happened quite quickly, so I cant really remenber. However when I was stood on the slope that avalanched, saw the avalanche coming  and realised where I was going, yes, I think I was scared.

Q. Had you had any prior training in avalanche awareness before the incident?
I had climbed in winter for over 10 years. I was a MIC and Trainee mountain guide. I had received and delivered a vast amount of training. I was avalanched because I made a poor judgment which was probably a result of over confidence or trying to “push it” in marginal conditions. I was very, very lucky.

Q. What advice would you give people heading in to the mountains this winter who do not have any knowledge on avalanche awareness?
Get as much training as you can. Learn as much as you can about avalanche awareness. But don’t believe that this information means you can push on in poor conditions. Use the information to help you to make safe and sensible decisions and if in doubt? Always turn back no matter what anyone else is doing around you.

Q. Where can I find out about avalanche risk level?
Check the Sport Scotland Avalanche Information Service

Want to get out into the mountains with confidence this winter?
Give your winter season a kick start with the BMC Winter Lectures, presented by Neil Johnson and James Thacker.  Sponsored by Lowe Alpine, the lectures are nationwide end of November / beginning of December.  Free prize draw at each lecture with the chance to win Lowe Alpine goodies.



WINTER LECTURE DATES & TIMES
All lectures start at 19:30 and finish at approximately 21:30

Bangor - 26 November
Bangor University, School of Sport (Health & Exercise Sciences), Main Hall, George Building, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2PZ

Lancaster– 27 November
Lancaster University, Frankland Lecture Theatre, Faraday Complex, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YW

Newcastle Upon Tyne – 28 November
Northumbria University, Students Union, 2 Sandyford Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8SB

Plymouth – 3 December
University of St Mark and St John, Drama Theatre, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BH

London – 4 December
The Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR.

Sutton Bonington (near Loughborough) – 5 December
Nottingham University, Sutton Bonington Campus, A30 Lecture Theatre, Vet School Building, College Road, Sutton Bonington (near Loughborough), LE12 5RD

TICKETS
Tickets cost £5 per person for BMC members and £7 for non members. Group discount: purchase 10 or more tickets in advance and each one will cost £3.50.

Tickets can be purchased from the online BMC Shop or by telephoning 0161 445 6111.

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