Essential Information for Scotland

Where do the courses take place?

Our winter mountaineering and climbing courses are based either in Fort William or in Aviemore. From these valley bases we can use all the main Scottish winter climbing areas - the Cairngorms, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, Creag Meagaidh, and the Northern Highlands. Our Cuillins of Skye courses are based at either Sligachan, Carbost or Glenbrittle depending on your course programme. We choose a venue for each day depending on the aims of the day and the weather forecast. You will need to arrange your own accommodation, and info sheets can be downloaded here: 
Scottish winters accommodation & travel
The Cuillins of Skye accommodation & travel

What dates are available?

You choose the date, and we tailor the programme for you. Available dates are shown in the Winter Climbing & Mountaineering in Scotland section and the Cuillins of Skye section on the calendar.

How much will it cost?

1:1 - £270 per full day
1:2 - £290 per full day
1:3 - £310 per full day
1:4 - £330 per full day
1:5 - £350 per full day
1:6 - £370 per full day

Five-day Intro Winter Mountaineering Course 2024: £400 per person

What about transport?

You will need to make your own way to your accommodation base. We will either arrange to meet you at the venue for the day, or we'll pick you up from your accommodation if this is convenient for you and for us.

What do I need to bring?

We provide all the specialist equipment for each activity. Each participant must come to the course with the correct clothing -  detailed downloadable equipment lists are available here: 
The Cuillins of Skye kit list
Winter Mountaineering & Climbing in the UK kit list

Useful blog posts about equipment:
Crampon Review and Comparison
Top Tips For Choosing An Ice Axe
What’s The Next Best Thing To A Perfect Pair Of Winter Mountaineering Gloves?
Crampon Review & Comparison: Petzl Vasak Lever Lock, old vs new
How To Stay Dry Whatever The Weather #1: Waterproofs
How To Stay Dry Whatever The Weather #2: Boots
How To Stay Dry Whatever The Weather #3: Walking In The Rain
How To Kit Yourself Out For Winter In The Mountains
My Top Three Favourite Rucksacks and Why I Like Them
7 Things You Should Never Leave Out Of Your Rucksack
Paramo or Goretex? What's My Preference And Why?
Top Tips About Waterproof Trousers
My Favourite Climbing Helmet: the Petzl Meteor (And How To Choose A New Helmet)
Climbing Harness Review & Comparison (& How To Choose A New Harness)
First Aid Kit Comparison: The Minimalist vs The First Aid Trainer
Everything You Need To Know About Crampons

Preparation

The fitter you are, the more you will get out of your time with us, as all winter mountaineering requires physical effort. The following books would be useful reading:
Scotland's Winter Mountains by Martin Moran
Mountain Navigation by Peter Cliff
Cold Climbs by Alcock & Barry 

Useful Blog Posts

Ben Nevis, 29th December 2014
Do You Recognise The 10 Early Warning Signs Of Hypothermia?
Why Do Hill Walkers and Mountaineers Need Movement Coaching?
Why do some mountaineers end the day with energy to spare?
7 Top Tips For Rock Climbers & Mountaineers
7 More Top Tips For Rock Climbers & Mountaineers
How to Navigate Like a Pro
7 Ways To Get More Out Of Your Time In The Mountains
7 Ways To Make Your Goals More Achievable In 2018 (And How We Did In 2017)
Who Needs A Mountain Mentor?
Top Tips For Enjoying A Scottish Winter Climbing Trip
What's Not To Love About Home-Made Hill Food?
What's So Special About The Black Cuillin Of Skye?
5 Reasons Why You Should Learn To Navigate Using Contours
Some Hard Mountain Truths About Guides And Clients
Updated: What's So Special About The Black Cuillin Of Skye?
7 Reasons Why You Should Embrace Failure
Top Tips For A Safe Fun Winter Season Revisited