Nearly 50 climbers will descend on Kinlochleven
Almost 50 climbers from throughout Scotland and as far afield as the Lake District are expected to descend on Ice Factor at Kinlochleven when the Scottish Mixed Masters event returns for the 12th consecutive year.
Last year the event was won by Aberdeenshire-based climber Joe Saunders and GB Ice Climbing squad member Emma Powell. It requires competitors to use their ice axes to tackle a series of ‘problems’ set on the rock and ice walls.
The competitors keep their own scores throughout, with the highest scorers competing in a timed final.
Judges award points for the speed in which each competitor completes the various routes with a grand final held to determine the winner.
Kev Shields, co-organiser of the event on Saturday
November 16, and one of the country’s leading para climbers, is hopeful of Ice Factor, home of the world’s largest indoor ice-climbing walls, once again attracting a strong field.
He commented: ‘The Scottish Mixed Masters is a terrific competition that tests competitors on their technique and fitness on routes set on both indoor ice and rock walls.
‘Last year it was leading GB climber Emma (Powell) and ex-Ice Factor instructor Joe Saunders who climbed off with the silverware and they will again face stiff competition during an event that is both challenging for participants and exciting to watch.
‘There is always a good atmosphere for the Scottish
Mixed Masters that is being supported in 2019 by Ice Factor, DMM, Rab and Psychi.’
Proceeds from the event will be donated to Erskine, the non-profit making charity that cares for veterans.