Carla Khouri - Winter Mountain Leader

What's your journey from Mountain Leader to Winter Mountain Leader looked like?

I qualified as a Mountain Leader in April 2019. The main reason for getting that qualification was so that I could help the young people that I was working with progress to Gold DofE. I picked up a few winter QMDs during the consolidation period of Mountain Leader and quickly realised I had a LOT to learn about winter so I decided to do a winter skills course in Scotland (Winter Mountain Leader was a million miles off my radar at this point). The winter skills course made me think that perhaps winter wasn't for me. It was scary, cold and windy and there was zero visibility. The following winter I decided to have another go (this time on a women-only skills course). I had a brilliant experience and decided that perhaps Winter Mountain Leader wasn't an impossibility after all. Once that seed was planted there was no stopping me.

How long has it taken you to get the experience required?

It's taken about five winters in Scotland to get the experience needed.

Have you experienced any challenges along the way and how did you overcome these?

I live in London. That in itself is a challenge as it's not easy just to pop to Scotland when conditions are good, so I made a decision to spend most of the season living in Scotland each winter. My family were very understanding and supportive. Financially it has been a big challenge. A grant from the Tom Furey Memorial Trust and a bursary from Mountain Training Scotland have helped cover some of my training costs.

Have you had any epic days out along the way?

There have been so many epic days out but one of my favourites was a multi-day expedition with a friend. The conditions were challenging but we overcame them and reached Ben Alder cottage (bothy) just after dark. Sharing stories whilst we dried our clothes around the fire, dealing with furry visitors in the night and waking up to a perfect wintery morning overlooking the loch before another day spent navigating in the white room (standard Scottish winter). Lovely memories.

What are the things that have positively influenced you on this journey?

Two or three years ago a WhatsApp group was set up for women working towards their Winter Mountain Leader. This has been a massive support both virtually and in real life. The women in the group are always on hand to answer questions, give tips and advice and are big cheerleaders for everyone. The women that I have met up with as a result of the group have been brilliant. We have worked together towards our goal and have supported each along the way. The group has grown from a handful to over 80!

How does it feel to be the first known Black Winter Mountain Leader?

I feel both proud and sad. I'm proud that I have achieved my personal goal of becoming a Winter Mountain Leader but there is so much work to do to increase representation in outdoor leaders. I may be the first but I certainly won't be the last.

What advice would you give to anyone else thinking about pursuing Winter Mountain Leader?

Find a support network. Sign up for the Mountain Training Association mentor scheme. I spent the first few years working on my own getting my QMDs and it was tough. I have met so many people (mainly women) that have also done all of their preparation on their own over the years and were amazed that there were other women out there linking up and supporting each other. Winter is hard but it's so much easier if you have other folk to get out with, share advice and support each other.

What are your winter/leading plans for the future?

I can't wait to start using my qualification to help others to experience the mountains in winter. I want to show people the beauty of the mountains and how they can be enjoyed safely.