Advanced Winter Mountaineering Course

Our West Highlands Advanced Winter Mountaineering Course takes a conditions-based approach to ensure an optimal experience amidst Scotland’s ever-changing weather. Guided by an expert and qualified winter mountaineering and climbing instructor, you’ll be taken to the most suitable venues to develop the skills needed to climb steeper winter terrain confidently and independently, including easy gullies, winter ridges, and graded Scottish winter climbs up to Grade II.

Outline of Areas Covered in the Three Days

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• Learning and understanding different techniques for Snow and Ice climbing

• Learning the limitations of equipment in winter and making sure the kit is appropriate for the intention

• How to effectively use crampons, Ice axe and also a pair of winter climbing axes

• Understanding how to build Snow and Ice anchors including ropework and belaying

• Learning the skills required to safely winter climb

• Progressing winter navigation and efficient route planning

• Learning how to interpret a guidebook to climb graded Scottish winter climbs

• Avalanche avoidance and understanding winter weather

• Climb graded Scottish Winter Climbs

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Munros and Climbs on our West Highlands Advanced Winter Mountaineering Course may include some of the following;

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Munros & Summits

• Ben Nevis

• Stob Corrie nan Lochan

• Buchaille Etive Beag

• Stob Deag (Buchaille Etive Mor)

• Aonoach Mor

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Winter Climbs

• Ledge Route (Grade II)

• Number 5 Gully (Grade I)

• Number 3 Gully (Grade I)

• Number 2 Gully (Grade II)

• Dorsal Arete (Grade II)

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The routes for the advanced winter mountaineering course will be selected with careful consideration of weather conditions, participants’ skill levels, and the instructor’s professional judgment. This course is tailored for those with prior experience, focusing on refining advanced techniques, enhancing decision-making, and building confidence in more challenging winter environments. 

Our Advanced Winter Mountaineering Courses maintain a maximum ratio of 1:2. This approach prioritises safety while allowing for personalised instruction on the essential skills needed to stay safe and enjoy the unique challenges of the Scottish winter mountaineering environment.

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The Scottish winter can be demanding, particularly when combined with the effort of a strenuous hike to reach higher summits, often carrying a heavy pack from sea level. Therefore, we recommend participants have prior experience with winter mountain walking and be at least 18 years old.