The non-negotiables are a helmet, a pair of B2 or B3 rated winter boots, crampons that fit those boots, and a walking ice axe. These are your primary safety tools for travelling on snow and ice.

The layering system is key. Start with a non-cotton base layer that wicks sweat away. Add a fleece or a light insulated jacket as your mid-layer for warmth. Finish with a waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers as your outer shell to protect you from the elements.

Build endurance with cardio and strength training, focusing on legs and core. Winter hiking with a weighted pack simulates real conditions. Prioritise stamina for energy-sapping snow travel and acclimatisation for altitude. 

Avalanches pose life-threatening risks in snow-laden slopes. Learn to assess terrain, interpret forecasts, and use transceivers. Practice rescue drills and avoid unstable slopes during high-risk conditions. 

Master compass bearings and pacing. GPS devices aid navigation but rely on map/compass as backups. Plan routes using landmarks visible in poor visibility and avoid cornices. 

Yes. A helmet isn't just for protecting you from a fall; it's also for protecting you from things falling from above, like ice or rocks dislodged by other people.

It's all about stiffness. B1 boots are flexible and suitable for walking. B2 boots are stiffer and can take a C2 crampon, making them a great all-rounder for UK winter mountaineering. B3 boots are completely rigid, designed for technical ice climbing.

It's an electronic device that sends out a signal. If someone in your group is buried in an avalanche, the rest of the group can switch their transceivers to "search" mode to locate the buried person's signal. It's a vital piece of kit if you're heading into avalanche-prone terrain