Aiglon College, Villars-sur-Ollon one of the most expensive boarding schools in Switzerland, educating students from all over the world. This was to be our base for the International Mountain Leader Summer Assessment.
On the first morning, meeting the other 10 candidates we were told which area we would be assessed in, sent out to buy maps and make sure our 'mini team' was prepaid with all emergency kit – groups shelter, rope, sling, karabiners, first aid kit, ice axe.
I was lucky enough to be put into an assessment team with Hannah and Sam. We worked well together, complementing each other with our differing knowledge and experience base. With each of us taking a different leg of the trip, being leader for that period, we were to navigate, enthuse, interest and entertain our team with our local and general knowledge.
Other tasks involved mini presentations, knowledge of emergency procedures, rope work, language skills, hut etiquette, altitude and general knowledge of leading trip throughout the world.
The three day trip took us through the mountains and over the magnificent Col des Chamois with its steep descent and great exposure. The Cabane de Plan Névé was very welcoming and the display on the Swiss horn made it an unforgettable experience. Our thoughts were with the warden who was retiring after spending his entire life running the hut.
The lead
assessor, Simon made us feel relaxed and we even enjoyed some of the assessment. With such a good team, it was unsurprising
but a great relief that all three of us everyone passed with flying
colours. We are all looking forward to
completing the final part of our IML qualification – the Winter Assessment – as
soon as the snow comes.
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