Christmas came early

Christmas came early for the Fell Top Assessors as we took a trip to the Lyon Equipment head office near Tebay last week.

We’d firstly like to thanks our sponsors, La Sportiva, Petzl and Julbo, whose years of experience, producing some of the best kit on the mountain, allows our Fell Top Assessors to go about their important work regardless of what the Lake District weather throws at them.

The day began with a warm welcome from Greg and Christine from La Sportiva, for whom we’re keen to showcase their latest innovations in mountain boots. John, Zac and our new assessor, Wes, all obviously mountaineering veterans, were delighted with the options available to them, each taking home boots to equip them for all Helvellyn environments.

After the important footwear decisions were made it was time to meet Corin from Petzl who introduced their latest developments in lightweight patented helmet technology. Helmets are important when in extreme mountain environments and we are delighted to work with Petzl to be able to offer their helmets for hire to anyone who books our Winter Skills Courses. The Assessors were also keen to discuss head torches, an essential piece of kit when on the fells.

Up next was eye wear. New for this season, with the generous support of Julbo, the Fell Top Assessors have received a pair of sunglasses and a pair of goggles each. The importance of appropriate eyewear when winter mountaineering is often overlooked. With their new kit John, Zac and Wes are now fully protected against snow blindness, as well as the ferocious winds which often make visibility difficult even on the clearest of days on the mountain.

The morning ended with a quick tour around the Lyon offices and factory. It was great to get a unique insight into the expertise being developed by Lyon and their support for other brands. The Lake District National Park is delighted to partner with such an innovative, life saving and local organisation.

Book a one Day Winter Skills course with our Fell Top Assessors here

Date: 13 Nov 2019