In reply to rockandroad:
> There isn't an actual snow hole qualification. It doesn't need to be an MIC, Winter mountain leaders have to build and spend 2 nights in a snow hole on assessment, whereas an MIC doesn't (they have gone through the wml process though). Either would be of use.
I know you mean to be helpful, but this is an area where there is some confusion and unfortunately what you've just said is wrong.
First, MICs are fully qualified to conduct snow-holing expeditions.
Second, Winter MLs are categorically NOT qualified to conduct snow-holing expeditions.
The issue of snow-holing is explicitly addressed in the Winter ML Handbook 2011 (downloadable from
http://www.mountain-training.org/award-schemes/ml-winter ).
From section 2.1:
The aim is not to teach the Winter Mountain Leader how to conduct expeditions using snow holes as the base or main form of accommodation.
and
The inclusion of snowholing in the Winter ML scheme is not to prepare candidates to lead expeditions to potentially remote and serious locations, but for the reasons outlined in the previous paragraph.
And most importantly from section 2.2
It is not within the remit of the Winter Mountain Leader to lead expeditions using snowholes as expedition bases.
I hope that clarifies matters in terms of official qualifications, both for you and the OP.
However unlike in other countries, there is obviously nothing to stop anyone, regardless of qualifications from instructing snow-holing, just as there is nothing stopping anyone from instructing any other aspect of climbing or mountaineering professionally.