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
Now in his 10th season on Helvellyn with some 500+ ascents, Zac is a Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and Wilderness EMT and has been teaching winter skills since 2002.
A veteran of more than 100 expeditions, he has safely led a total of 27 people above 8000 m elevation including a successful ascent of the North Ridge of Everest. He has guided 5 of the 7 Summits and has extensive experience in Antarctica and the Himalaya. He also works in film safety where his credits rage from Planet Earth 2 to Star Wars.
Jim Evans
Jim has lived in the Lake District for nearly 40 years, having moved to Cumbria at the age of 18 and quickly developing a lifelong passion for its fells. A keen climber and mountaineer, he has spent more than 40 years exploring and working in mountain environments across the UK and overseas.
Jim holds the Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (WMCI) qualification, the highest professional award for instructing winter climbing and mountaineering in the UK. He is also a volunteer with Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, one of the busiest mountain rescue teams in the UK.
During the summer months, Jim runs his own climbing and mountaineering business, delivering instruction, guiding and skills courses. He also works as an associate for a range of organisations, including leading overseas expeditions—including nine to Arctic Greenland—and designing and delivering outdoor leadership and learning and development programmes.
Jim is passionate about helping people develop the skills, confidence and judgement to enjoy mountain environments safely while inspiring a lasting appreciation of the outdoors.
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.
