Winter Mountaineering in Scotland

Five-day Winter Mountaineering Course

Each winter we run a five-day course for individuals who want to join with other like-minded people. Download the information about the 2023 course here.

Bespoke Winter Mountaineering Courses

Tailor-made courses for groups or individuals who want to organise a course on a date to suit them

Is this the course for me?

You have a good level of summer mountaineering experience, and you’re keen to extend your skills to winter mountaineering.

What level of fitness do I need?

Fitness level 2: you exercise regularly through the week – running, walking, cycling or playing sports. You can sustain a raised heart rate for a 45 minute run or a 2 hour bike ride. You can walk in the mountains or climb all day, but feel tired at the end.  

What does the course cover?

If you were to book two days, you could expect to cover the following areas:

• Movement coaching with axe and crampons in ascent and descent

• Movement over grade I gullies and ridges

• Basic rope work and belaying

• Constructing and using snow anchors, and selecting rock anchors

• Abseiling using snow anchors

• Snow pack evaluation, avalanche awareness and risk assessment

• Route planning and winter navigation

• Snow shelters

Possible routes might include the east ridge of Beinn a Chaorainn (Creag Meagaidh), Coire an Lochan via the zig zags (Cairngorms) and No 4 gulley on Ben Nevis.

If you booked a longer period, eg five days, you would cover all the above, and you would also have time for further developing and consolidating the skills learnt and have opportunities to plan and carry out winter mountain days. 

What's the maximum ratio?

Introductory winter mountaineering: 1:6
More advanced winter mountaineering: 1:4

Where do the courses take place?

Please check out the Essential Info for Scotland page.

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 on the calendar.

How much will it cost, what about transport, and what do I need to bring?

Please check out the Essential Info for Scotland page.

What do our clients say about us?

Chris has worked with us on a number of school trips and each time he has been fantastic. He has inspired the boys with his unique enthusiasm, whether climbing classic rock in the lakes, icefalls in Norway, winter routes in Scotland or 4,000m mountains in the Alps. Consequently, we have all been amazed by the quality and difficulty of the routes that have been climbed. Whatever the conditions, Chris has found an unforgettable challenge that has been perfectly suited to the group. We will undoubtedly be signing up for more adventures with him again soon. 
Alex Brighton, Oundle School

I like Chris’s emphasis on moving safely and well, rather than rescue techniques. The approach seems to be to avoid getting yourself into a bad situation, rather than what to do when you are in one. He seems to coach from the standpoint of what he knows has worked well for him, rather than sticking to a fixed syllabus, which I like.
Louis Waterman-Evans, Intro Winter Mountaineering two-day course, December 2018

Thank you so much for an incredible two days, Chris. It was so powerful to be shown I could get through my fear and do things I thought were impossible! I learnt so much about the mountains, walking and life. You’ve really changed the way I think about fear (and how I walk). I’ll definitely be coming up to the Lakes soon for some more mountain adventures.
Sam Kelly, two-day Intro Winter Mountaineering, December 2021

Chris expertly tailored the content to the participants and condituons. I much appreciate Chris's enthusiasm, expertise, skill in teaching and sense of fun. Very enjoyable course. I learnt a huge amount.
Ian Paterson, five-day Winter Mountaineering Course, January 2022

Anne was so helpful and made the booking process hassle free. Chris was incredibly knowledgeable, it was like walking with a philosopher. I've learnt so much and will definitely do future courses with him.
Hannah Westhenry, five-day Winter Mountaineering Course, January 2022

The enquiry & booking procedure was excellent, with super quick and helpful responses from Anne. We had challenging and changing weather so the programme was flexible but we covered all aspects of winter skills and mountaineering. Chris was excellent and met all our needs in a really professional and friendly way. We stayed at Calluna self catering in Fort William which is set up for climbing so had a fab drying room and several self catering zones. Ours was a six bedroom house which was great. I have booked with Chris a few times now and I know it will be an excellent week of learning. It’s a difficult job to manage the needs and expectations of a group of six strangers but Chris handles it really well and delivers a really fantastic week of winter mountaineering skills.
Nick Mardall, five-day Winter Mountaineering Course, January 2022

Effective progression of skills learning from day to day gave us confidence to take on a big final day. I felt challenged but not unrealistically, and so I was able to do things I'd not imagined I could. Chris makes learning fun, even on the bleakest days, and ensures that whatever the conditions we can still get something from the day.
Mark Richards, five-day Winter Mountaineering Course, January 2023

Progressive programme, challenging and quick to convert new skills into new practices. Chris's expertise and coaching style is superb!
Dan Scoular, five-day Winter Mountaineering Course, January 2023

I’d done my CWI training with Chris so knew I liked his instructional approach and this course came up at the right time. Lots of winter courses out there but I think knowing who you’ll be guided by, and knowing they have a) loads of amazing experience to draw from and b) a friendly and supportive approach but willing to push you a bit outside your comfort zone - better than just picking a course that sounded “good on paper”!
Tess Elias, five-day Winter Mountaineering Course, January 2023

On the last day Chris asked us halfway down the mountain what we had learned. I think he was a bit surprised at my answer - I told him I had found it physically hard and demanding. This wasn't a negative, it was a positive. I enjoy being out of my comfort zone, because this is where the magic happens. My son often takes his time putting his shoes on to leave the house, it drives me crazy. On the mountain I was slow putting on my crampons - I found it hard. Perhaps my son finds it hard, perhaps I need more empathy. Of course I learned about the snow anchors and thirty degree snow slabs, but what I learned about myself was equally as important.
Scott Hutchinson, five-day Winter Mountaineering Course, January 2024

The quality of training is always excellent, the breadth and depth of knowledge passed on by Chris and the way he allows each person to push their skills to get the maximum out of the experience is incredible. To quote Pulp Fiction when Vincent is discussing the difference between France and the USA: “It’s the little things” - the extra hints and tips make all the difference. Thank you - I had a brilliant week and now feel equipped to continue to learn how to tackle winter mountains.
Chris Unsworth, five-day Winter Mountaineering Course, January 2024

I would just like to thank you for laying on an absolutely fantastic Winter Mountaineering Course last week.  Chris, you taught me a range of new skills and gave me the confidence to use them in conditions most people wouldn't venture out of a house in never mind go up a Munro. The organisation and support throughout the week were absolutely first class and faultless. I think it is credit to you both to be able to adapt your offering to the conditions presented that made the trip so fulfilling. Thank you again and I look forward to signing up to another adventure in due course. 
Graham Lappin, five-day Winter Mountaineering Course, January 2024

Photo Gallery