Winter Climbing in Scotland

climbing the final pitch of hidden chimney on mess of pottage, coire an t-sneachda

climbing the final pitch of hidden chimney on mess of pottage, coire an t-sneachda

Four-day Winter Climbing Course

Each winter we run a four-day course for individuals who want to join with other like-minded people. Download the information about the 2026 course here.

Is this the course for me?

As a course participant you will have:

  • already done our five-day winter mountaineering course, or a similar course with another provider, and be keen to extend your skills to winter climbing,

and/or

  • some experience of building anchors and placing gear for rock climbing

Both of the above is best, but one or the other is fine.

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?

  • Movement coaching with two axes and crampons in ascent and descent

  • Movement over grade I-II gullies and ridges in ascent and descent

  • Climbing winter routes up to grade III-IV

  • Rope work and belaying

  • Constructing and using snow anchors, and selecting rock anchors

  • Abseiling using snow anchors and rock anchors

  • Snow pack evaluation, avalanche awareness and risk assessment

  • Route planning and winter navigation

  • Time for further developing and consolidating the skills learnt

  • Opportunities to plan and carry out winter climbing days

Possible routes might include Curved Ridge on Buachaille Etive Mhor, SC Gulley on Stobh Coire nan Lochan, and Green Gulley on Ben Nevis

What's the maximum ratio?

1:3

What dates are available?

Four-day winter climbing course: 2nd-5th February 2026

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?

The booking procedure was easy as always. Chris as always was excellent. Finding a suitable venue during Storm Dennis was no easy feat even for a mountain guide!!! Looking forward to Alpine preparation!!!
Phil Brown, Intro Winter Climbing Course, February 2020

A days winter climbing with Chris at Glen Coe was fantastic. Chris made sure the route he selected would push us and improve us but not overwhelm us. We felt really in exceptionally capable hands and the day was challenging with a huge sense of accomplishment at the end. A great experience!
Nick Mardall, January 2023