Winter Lead Climbing in Scotland

Approaching Tower gap, the crux of tower Ridge, Ben Nevis

Is this the course for me?

You have a good level of summer mountaineering experience, and maybe some rock climbing experience too. You have already done some winter mountaineering and/or 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
Leading techniques: placing gear and building anchors
Lead climbing protected by a ‘ghost’ rope, progressing to leading without.

Possible routes might include Curved Ridge on Buachaille Etive Mhor, Ledge Route on Ben Nevis, and Dorsal Arete or Broad Gulley on Coire nan Lochan, Glen Coe

If you booked a longer period, eg four or 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 lead climbing days.

What's the maximum ratio?

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?