Winter Medicine Course
New Hampshire, USA
Brace yourself for five days of hands-on winter medicine training in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where cold, terrain, and limited resources reshape every clinical decision.
This Winter Medicine course takes you beyond classroom learning and into real cold-weather environments, where patient assessment, leadership, and teamwork are tested in freezing temperatures and complex terrain. Through a blend of focused teaching, practical workshops, and field-based scenarios, you’ll develop the confidence and judgement needed to operate safely and effectively in winter and cold-weather settings.
Luis
I want to commend the instructors for their ability to work seamlessly and coherently, their ability to teach effectively from an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and experience and for their congeniality. Exceptionally well done!
What's Included?
Field-Based Training & Practical Workshops
Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, hands-on skills sessions, and outdoor scenarios designed to reflect the realities of practising medicine in winter environments.
Expert Faculty & Local Instructors
You’ll learn from experienced clinicians and wilderness professionals who specialise in cold-weather and expedition medicine, ensuring learning is grounded in real-world practice.
Accommodation, Meals & Course Support
Your course fee includes accommodation and all meals from the start of the course until after lunch on the final day, allowing you to focus fully on learning.
Course Certification & CME
This course has been approved for 24 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™*, awarded through the Wilderness Medical Society.
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USD $2,299.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course right for me?
This course is designed for healthcare professionals and students who want to apply their clinical skills in cold and winter environments. It’s particularly suited to those interested in expedition, wilderness, or adventure medicine. The focus is on clinical decision-making, adaptability, teamwork, and operating safely in cold, resource-limited settings rather than technical mountaineering alone.
Do I need previous expedition or wilderness medicine training?
Previous expedition or wilderness medicine experience is helpful but not essential. The course builds core principles and applies them to winter environments. If you’re unsure whether this is the right next step for you, we recommend using the Course Fit Checker or booking a discovery call.
What level of fitness is required?
You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but a good level of physical fitness will help you get the most from the course. As a guide, you should be comfortable walking at least 5 miles carrying a 20 lb pack and repeating this over consecutive days. Being physically prepared will allow you to focus on learning rather than fatigue.
What course content is covered?
This Winter Medicine course covers the medical, environmental, logistical, and human factors considerations of working in cold and winter environments.
Content includes:
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Medicine in cold and winter environments
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Clothing systems and shelter
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Hypothermia and cold water immersion
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Freezing and non-freezing cold injuries
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Altitude medicine
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Pre-existing and common medical conditions in cold environments
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Expedition planning and risk assessment
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Navigation and map reading in winter terrain
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Trauma management in cold environments
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Fractures, dislocations, and spinal injuries
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Patient packaging and evacuation
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Avalanche awareness and rescue
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Search and rescue protocols
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Communication and emergency signalling
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Medical kits for winter expeditions
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Human factors and team dynamics
Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, practical workshops, simulations, and outdoor field scenarios.
What kit do I need to bring?
Please follow the kit list and bring adequate kit. Winter environments are cold, wet, and physically demanding, so it’s essential you’re equipped to manage prolonged exposure to cold and rapidly changing conditions.
As a minimum, we recommend you bring:
You need to be prepared for cold, wind, snow, and low visibility. If you have any questions about kit, please contact us before the course.
Clothing & Personal Gear
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Shell jacket and shell trousers (windproof and breathable)
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Insulated jacket (synthetic or down)
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Fleece layers
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Base layers (upper and lower)
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Warm socks and underwear
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Waterproof winter boots
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Warm hat and gloves
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Sunglasses or goggles
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Head torch with spare batteries
Equipment
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Rucksack (30–45 litres)
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1 litre water bottle or Nalgene
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Insulated flask or thermos
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Personal medical / first aid kit
A detailed kit list will be provided once you’re booked.
Do I need specialist equipment?
No specialist technical equipment is required. All activities are designed to be accessible with standard winter clothing and personal kit. Guidance on what to bring, what is provided, and what can be sourced locally is included in your joining instructions.
What are the conditions like?
Typical daytime temperatures range around 0°C but can drop significantly lower. Conditions may include snow, wind, and limited visibility. These conditions are a core part of the learning experience, and faculty will guide you on managing yourself, your kit, and patients safely.
Do I need travel insurance to attend?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must cover the activities undertaken on the course, including outdoor and emergency evacuation activities. You’ll be required to provide insurance details before the course begins.
What support is available before the course starts?
Ahead of the course, you’ll receive access to a WhatsApp group where you can ask questions, share travel plans, and connect with fellow participants and faculty. Joining instructions and optional pre-course resources are also provided.
I have another question
If you wish to learn more or have any additional questions, we invite you to book a 30-minute discovery call with our team.
→ Click here to book a discovery call.
The call will be with the team who organise our courses and work closely with our medical teaching faculty. They’re best placed to explain what our attendees really get out of attending a course with us.
You can choose between a video or voice call — whatever suits you best.
Register for a time that works for you, and we look forward to speaking with you soon.
Prefer email? Then feel free to contact us.
*This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) and World Extreme Medicine. The WMS is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Wilderness Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 24 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Each physician should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Your Safety
The comprehensive curriculum and field scenarios are carefully designed to push your limits while mitigating risks.
We take every precaution to keep participants safe by:
- Rigorous gear checks before all expedition days
- Mandatory evacuation insurance policies
- Close coordination with local emergency responders
