Winter Mountaineering

Winter Hill Skills

We offer 1, 2 and 5 day winter hill walking skills courses in Scotland. Courses can be booked privately or scheduled courses are available on advertised dates. 

Winter hill skills courses are ideal if you already have some experience of summer hillwalking, have reasonable fitness levels, and want to develop the skills to safely experience the mountains all year round.

Assessing snow conditions

1 Day Intro Winter Hillwalking in Scotland

An ideal taster day supporting you in experiencing being out on the winter mountain and discovering what winter mountaineering is all about.

During the course of the day we will introduce the essential skills:

  • Selection of clothing and equipment suitable for the winter mountain environment.
  • Weather and Avalanche forecasts.
  • Planning and equipment for a day winter hillwalking in Scotland.
  • Understanding the winter mountain environment.
  • Using crampons, ice axe for safe movement in snowy and icy terrain.
  • Self arrests.

Ice Axe, Crampons and winter boots are not included in the course fees. These can be easily hired in Aviemore. 

Private Dates

If you wish to book private dates these can be accommodated throughout the winter:

  • Group size 1 to 2 £150
  • Group size 3 to 4 £180

2021 Dates Coming Soon

Winter navigation

2 Day Winter Hillwalking Skills in Scotland

An ideal jumping off point for you if you’re keen to learn the skills to head out on your own in winter. Over the two days you will develop skills and confidence to start out on your own winter adventures.

The skills covered will include:

  • Selection of clothing and equipment suitable for the winter mountain environment.
  • Weather and Avalanche forecasts.
  • Planning and equipment for a day winter hillwalking in Scotland.
  • Understanding the winter mountain environment.
  • Using crampons, ice axe for safe movement in snowy and icy terrain.
  • Self arrests.
  • Being avalanche aware.
  • Navigation skills and tactics in winter conditions.
  • Emergency procedures.

Ice Axe, Crampons and winter boots are not included in the course fees. These can be easily hired in Aviemore.

Private Dates

If you wish to book private dates these can be accommodated throughout the winter:

  • Group size 1 to 2 £300
  • Group size 3 to 4 £360

2021 Dates Coming Soon

Movement with axe and crampons

5 Day Winter Hillwalking Skills in Scotland

The complete package to develop the confidence and essential skills to stay safe in the hills in winter.  Over the 5 days you will develop the fundamental movement skills to prevent slipping, deepen your navigation and planning skills. Over the course of the 5 days you will have plenty of time to practice and put your new skills to good use in the mountains.

The skills covered will include:

  • Selection of clothing and equipment suitable for the winter mountain environment.
  • Weather and Avalanche forecasts.
  • Planning and equipment for a day winter hillwalking in Scotland.
  • Understanding the winter mountain environment.
  • Using crampons, ice axe for safe movement in snowy and icy terrain.
  • Self arrests.
  • Being avalanche aware.
  • Navigation skills and tactics in winter conditions.
  • Emergency procedures.

Ice Axe, Crampons and winter boots are not included in the course fees. These can be easily hired in Aviemore.

Private Dates

If you wish to book private dates these can be accommodated throughout the winter:

  • Group size 1-2 : £750

2021 Dates Coming Soon

Kit list will be provided at the time of booking. Course participants should supply most of their own equipment including boots, goggles, ice axe, and crampons. Most of these items can be hired from several of the outdoor shops in Aviemore. 

Participants should provide their own transport to and from Aviemore.