Winter Mountaineering Course
Glencoe/ Fort William
3 out of 5: Moderate
2 Days
1:2 (Needs 2 to Run)
From £310
Course Overview
Take your winter skills to the next level with our Winter Mountaineering Course in the West Highlands of Scotland. Designed for experienced winter walkers, this 2-day course based around Glencoe and Fort William focuses on safely tackling steeper and more technical terrain. You'll gain the winter mountaineering skills to navigate classic Scottish winter routes such as the Aonach Eagach ridge in Glencoe or Ledge Route on Ben Nevis, graded at Scottish Winter I to II. Perfect for those looking to experience the exciting positions and stunning landscapes of Scotland’s Western Highlands, this course equips you to move confidently and learn the technical skills to move safely over winter mountaineering ground.
Course Length
Our Winter Mountaineering course is 2 days. We offer bespoke courses and run these in the West Highlands from December until April.
Cost
Northwest Mountaineering runs this coirse as a private 1:1 Course at £580.
Experience Needed
This course is ideal for those with a good level of fitness and previous scrambling experience along with ideally having knowledge and experience of essential winter skills such as wearing crampons and using an ice axe.
When
Whenever suits you. Please get in touch to discuss availability.
Our West Highlands Winter Mountaineering course utilises a conditions-based approach to ensure the best possible experience in Scotland’s diverse weather. Your expert instructor or guide will select an appropriate venue to help develop skills to become more confident in using winter equipment combined with introducing basic ropework to ensure safety and learning how to stay safe in the Scottish winter mountains.
Outline of Areas Covered in the Two Days
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Understanding what clothing works best in the winter environment
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Learning the limitations of equipment in winter and making sure the kit is appropriate for the intention
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Gaining experience with using crampons and ice axe
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Knowing how to effectively perform an ice axe arrest
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Understanding basic ropework and belaying
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Understanding basic winter navigation and safe and efficient route planning
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Knowing and understanding of how to safely build snow anchors
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Avalanche avoidance and understanding winter weather
Munros and summits on our West Highlands Winter Mountaineering Course may include some of the following;
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Ben Nevis
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Stob Corrie nan Lochan
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Buchaille Etive Beag Ridge
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Stob Deag (Buchaille Etive Mor)
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Meall a Bhuiridh
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Aonoach Mor
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Our 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.
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.
Winter 2024/ 2025
This course is run as a bespoke course.
Please get in touch to arrange a date that suits you.
£580 for 2 days.
HOW TO BOOK
This Winter Mountaineering Course run as a private course.
Dates on request.
Please email info@northwestmountaineering.co.uk to discuss and check availability for Winter Mountaineering dates to suit you.
