Winter Courses Scotland

Looking towards Ben Nevis from Aonach Mor

Winter mountaineering and ice climbing activities are invariably effected by the weather and snow and ice conditions. In reality this is the nature of winter mountaineering and ice climbing in Scotland. Attending a course will not make any difference! However the instructors local knowledge should ensure that the most is made of every day out on the hill. Course members will get a useful insight to what is possible, even during poor weather should it occur.

Individuals or groups are welcome. No minimum numbers.

In general terms all course members will spend as much time as possible on high snow and ice covered mountains above 3,000 ft (915m) looking at the necessary skills for winter mountaineering and ice climbing. During the evenings a library of relevant mountain video subjects are available to reinforce the practical side of the programmes. The courses all meet for kit checks and introductions on the Sunday morning (5 days) or Saturday morning weekends.

Winter Climbing Videos

Tower Ridge - Ben Nevis - Scotland

Point Five Gully - Ben Nevis - Scotland

Orion Face Direct - Ben Nevis - Scotland

Each day starts at 8.00am and usually finishes by 5.00-6.00pm. A weather and avalanche briefing each morning is backed up on the hill by digging snow pits and studying snow crystals and previous weather/wind patterns.

All winter courses require considerable physical effort and are potentially risky. Anyone interested in fitness training before attending a course should try swimming, cycling or just hill-walking. Try and arrive reasonably fit and you will enjoy yourself even more!

Some courses will use the Nevis Range Gondola up lift and £12.00 return is a cost to be budgeted for. Also one visit to the Ice Factor for the climbers is possible and this will involve an extra £25 over the course fee.

Client Feedback

Alan
Just a quick mail to thank you for making an old man happy!
I so enjoyed our day out and really thought my first day out with a climbing guide was so great.
It was a pleasure to be...

Geoff

Experience the challenges and skills of winter. All levels catered for.