About our Fell Top Assessors
Our Winter Skills Day Courses are run by instructors who are passionate about the outdoors, about the Lake District fells, and about giving people the skills they need to be safe.
Our instructors have great experience in leading people on mountains in all conditions, and are members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors.
Zac Poulton
Zac is a Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (formerly MIC), the highest mountaineering qualification in the UK and is a full member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors and the Alpine Club. He has a background in Sport and Exercise Science and is medically trained as a WEMSI Wilderness First Responder.
Working as an expedition guide Zac has safely led a total of 27 people above 8000m including a successful ascent of the North Ridge of Everest. Other notable ascents have included an early ascent of Baruntse (7201m), the 2nd British ascent of Himlung Himal (7126m), multiple ascents of Antarctica’s Mt Vinson, a ski traverse of Greenland’s Liverpool Land, a ski expedition to the South Pole, made a solo ascent of Ama Dablam and guided 5 of the 7 Summits.
Jim Evans
Jim, who moved to Cumbria at 18, says he “fell in love with the Lakes” as a keen fellsman. A volunteer for Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, Jim has also led eight expeditions to Arctic Greenland and has spent many years educating others in how to safely enjoy the winter mountains.
Jim said: “I’ve always thought the Weatherline and Fell Top Assessor programme is a really good service and I wanted to give back to that.
“It’s the social nature of possibility – I’m skilling people up to access and enjoy the outdoors and that’s what gives me my kicks.”
Far from put off by the thought of braving Helvellyn in wintery conditions, Jim says they both look forward to the challenge. He said: “I’m looking forward to turning out in all kinds of weathers.
Paddy Cave
Dad-of-two Paddy works as a self-employed instructor and has also led military veterans on outdoor expeditions as a form of mental health support. He’s also spent time travelling to lead expeditions in the Pyrenees, Norway and across the Himalayas.
He said: “I’ve always found myself in my element in winter on the hills, regardless of the weather and conditions. Helvellyn is undoubtedly the mountain I’ve spent the most time on or around!
“Winter on the mountains is an amazing and special time and sharing the experience and adventure with friends and clients has always been very motivating. Finishing winter routes in the Lakeland Fells by head torch are still some of my best climbing memories.”
Fell Top Assessors' top 10 tips for winter safety
Check out the Weatherline forecast. Where available, check a ground conditions’ report. Take the advice on board.
Choose a route suitable for the conditions, your equipment and ability. If you are unsure, lower your sights.
Do not over estimate your ability, know when to turn back.
Carry enough kit to look after yourself if something goes wrong, or the weather changes.
Always carry a map and compass – know how to use them. Do not rely on a GPS alone.
Take a spare hat and gloves. They will get wet, and may blow away.
In winter conditions take ice axe and crampons – know how to use them.
Goggles are essential when snow and wind combine.
In winter in the snow, wear four-season stiffened boots which are compatible with your crampons.
If in doubt – turn back.
