Winter Climbing in Scotland

Is this the course for me?

You have a good level of summer mountaineering experience, and maybe some rock climbing experience too. You may have already done some winter mountaineering, although this isn’t essential, and you’re keen to extend your skills to winter climbing.

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:

• Recap of core winter skills in ascent and descent

• Rope work and anchor selection

• Use of technical ice tools and crampons on a variety of ground - rock, ice, snow, turf

• Abseiling off winter climbs from a variety of anchors.

• Snow pack evaluation, avalanche awareness and risk assessment

• Route planning and winter navigation

Possible routes might include Curved Ridge on Buachaille Etive Mhor, SC Gulley on Stobh Coire nan Lochan, and Green 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 climbing days. 

What's the maximum ratio?

Introductory winter climbing: 1:4
More advanced winter climbing: 1:2

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?

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