Summit Mountain Skills

Mick has been an integral part of all of my technical outdoors exploits where I felt that an experienced instructor would pay dividends in ensuring my safety and learning. I'm happy to report that Mick has always delivered and always provides so much more. From days out scrambling in and around Snowdonia to Winter climbs in Aviemore, Mick has helped me challenge my own limitations of what I thought I was capable of, allowing me to tackle even greater challenges and a great sense of accomplishment. You can't ask for a better instructor than Mick - his safety conscious approach combined with his wide range of knowledge of every aspect of the outdoors Industry provides great reassurance that you and in the hands of one of the most capable instructors out on the hills today. Thanks Mick!

Mick has arranged two fantastic bespoke weekends of rock climbing and summer alpine mountaineering training for our family of four. He was absolutely brilliant with the kids. We refreshed (very) old skills and learnt a lot of new ones to help us safely climb and scramble as a team in the mountains. We couldn't recommend him highly enough - an absolutely fabulous instructor.

12 months ago I hired Mick for an introduction to scrambling, having only ever been a hill walker. I saw Mick give a lecture at a local University on “Making Winter Count” and was immediately impressed with his depth of knowledge and how personable his approach was.Over the past year I’ve been out with Mick several times and we’re now ticking off Grade 3 scrambles together! Mick has an infectious enthusiasm for all things Mountaineering and is great teacher - patient, adaptable and full of experience.I’d 100% recommend Mick to anyone starting, or looking to develop their skills across any walking / mountaineering / climbing disciplines.

I first used Summit Mountain Skills when undertaking some rock climbing training and they played a big part in my Rock Climbing Instructor qualification training and assessment.I have subsequently used Mick for training and CPD prior to going on trips to the Alps, Scotland in the Winter and to generally improve my base skill set.Mick is very knowledgeable and professional and is always willing to offer advice either on messenger or if I bump into him in the Cairngorm car park in the depths of Scottish winter.

I first met Mick in 2017 whilst undertaking some navigation and mountaineering training for the Scout Movement, whilst he was directing an ML Assessment. I was instantly struck by his professional and enthusiastic approach, and the way he spoke with his candidates about all subjects mountaineering. The way he took his time to dilligently yet carefully explain various aspects of the course content, as well as his understanding of people listening and querying elememts, was amazing to watch.Since that first meeting i have ventured out with him on many occasions. We have completed a scrambling course, a resin to rock course and i also undertook an improvised rescue course with him to be able to further enhance my safety, and that of others, when climbing. These course were absolutely brilliant. Informative, professional approach, with all the seriousness that is demanded by such dangerous hobbies and pastimes, yet packed with fun, laughter, camararderie and just general good craic.Mick is a consummate professional. His knoledge is beyond reproach, and he has a vast sum of experience mountaineering around the world. On all of my trips out with him and his company, i have always felt that nothing was ever too much trouble and he always goes the extra mile to help you in whatever field of mountaincraft you wish to improve with. Even outside of the courses themselves, Mick has been a constant source of support for me in my mountaineering journey. We regularly stay in touch and he is always there to assist with any queries, tips, kit advice, locations, suggestions for next steps, training techniques and even searching out deals on kit for me in his own time!Mick is not just a teacher, mentor, or a guide for me, he has become a firm friend who i can go to at anytime for all things mountaineering.If you book a training course with Summit Mountain Skills, you are booking with one of the best mountain professionals out there.

I've known Mick for about five years now, on courses from Mountain Leader to winter climbing, and I have to say he is the single best instructor I've ever had (and there's been a few over the years...), knowledgeable, safe and caring, and I've had some great times. I've got some more winter climbing booked with him in 2023, and am really looking forward to it. Thanks, Mick!

Since first meeting Summit Mountain Skills, Course Director of my SML assessment, I've been very fortunate to take advantage of numerous development opportunities with owner and lead instructor, Michael Jones. From WML where Mick was working for Glenmore Lodge, to RCI, to Himalaya preparation where Mick imparted his depth of knowledge and skill, in order for a friend and myself to successfully summit our first 6000m peak.Over those five years, Mick has proved time and time again that what he does in the mountains, is more than a job, it's a passion. Whether you're working as part of a group, or you’re working with Mick as an individual undertaking 1-to-1 development, Mick takes the time to make everyone feel like they are the focus of the day. The relationship is unique, it’s not instructor and client or student, Mick makes the environment much more engaging, and it feels like two friends climbing or enjoying a day in the hills.Would I recommend Summit Mountain Skills, yes definitely, 5 stars.

Over several years I’ve spent many days training with Mick of summit mountain skills, he is the consummate professional in every thing he does with an immaculate attention to detail and a very clear and concise way of delivering information that is fun and easy to understand. His knowledge of all things mountain related is vast and he is without doubt one of the very best instructors you could wish to have whatever your goals might be from hillwalking to high altitude objectives and everything in between.

My daughter Maxie has several weekends a year training with Mick from Summit Mountain Skills to improve her hiking, scrambling and climbing. It’s been a pleasure to watch her confidence grow in all these skills. She always comes home, not only safe - as is my concern, but also beaming and pleased with her achievements . I feel safer when she’s out in the mountains knowing she’s been coached by Mick, and I can recommend his services to anyone with an interest in the great outdoors. Thank you sincerely Mick!

Summit Mountain Skills is a fantastic provider of courses, bespoke training and practical guidance for all things outdoors. I originally wanted to further my knowledge on winter skills and over the years learning under Mick I will now be heading to the Himalayas. No matter your skill level they can improve your climbing and mountaineering knowledge and that’s why I always go back to them