winter Climbing
...our idea of fun in the mountains is most people's worst nightmare...
Winter climbing has many different forms, and can include everything from pure water-ice, snow gullies, frozen turf, and rock, to a complete mixture of it all. Winter climbing commonly involves the use of two climbing axes, and even two ropes at times; It is totally addictive, and once your journey as a winter climber begins, you will crave the first snowfall of every new season, counting down the days til you can once again begin working through your tick-list. From starting on your journey, to completing your remaining 'Cold Climbs', and everything in between, there is something for everyone.
All of the following activities and courses are based in the Scottish Highlands, between the west coast and the Cairngorms National Park, are staffed with Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors, or British Mountain Guides, and will run from 8:45am til 5pm, unless stated otherwise. Prices are per person. Recommendations and advice for accommodation can be found at the bottom of this page. Meeting places will be confirmed at the time of booking. Typically the ratio of instructors to participants is 1:2. If you are a larger group than 2, and/or an individual or group, who wish to have a bespoke activity or course, then please Get In Contact to discuss your aspirations.
All of the following activities and courses are based in the Scottish Highlands, between the west coast and the Cairngorms National Park, are staffed with Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors, or British Mountain Guides, and will run from 8:45am til 5pm, unless stated otherwise. Prices are per person. Recommendations and advice for accommodation can be found at the bottom of this page. Meeting places will be confirmed at the time of booking. Typically the ratio of instructors to participants is 1:2. If you are a larger group than 2, and/or an individual or group, who wish to have a bespoke activity or course, then please Get In Contact to discuss your aspirations.
WINTER CLIMBING INTRO
This 2-day course is aimed at proficient winter walkers who wish to learn and develop a solid foundation of winter climbing skills. Previous rock climbing and winter mountaineering experience is desirable, yet not required.
✓ Planning a winter climbing day, and understanding equipment ✓ Interpreting an avalanche and a weather forecast, and avoiding hazards ✓ Movement skills for approaching, and during, winter climbs ✓ Ropework skills, including belaying, placing gear and building anchors ✓ 'Seconding' a mixture of winter climbs, and lead climbing if appropriate ✓ Abseiling and retreating from winter climbs, and emergency procedures ✓ FREE hire of a helmet, harness, crampons, ropes and climbing gear |
Title:
Winter Climbing Intro 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 1 2 |
Price:
£229 £450 £219 |
Ratio:
1:2 1:1 1:2 |
WINTER CLIMBING DEVELOPER
Whether you are fairly new to winter climbing, or already have some mileage under your belt, this is the course for you. Develop your skills and build your confidence over 5 days of progressive winter climbing instruction, from efficient 'seconding' skills, to perfecting your lead climbing. The itinerary is flexible to build upon your current level of ability.
✓ Progress your current skill across all aspects of winter climbing ✓ 'Second' a mixture of winter climbs, up to grade V, or as appropriate ✓ Lead winter climbs, up to grade IV, or as appropriate ✓ Visit a variety of locations, increasing your knowledge and confidence ✓ FREE hire of a helmet, harness, crampons, ropes and climbing gear |
Title:
Winter Climbing Developer 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 1 2 |
Price:
£725 £1250 £700 |
Ratio:
1:2 1:1 1:2 |
CLASSIC WINTER CLIMBS
Scotland is legendary for winter climbing, featuring many of the world-renowned 'Cold Climbs', such as Point Five Gully and Tower Ridge; People travel from far and wide to experience these classic world-class lines. Join a like-minded individual on a pre-arranged date, or be privately guided on a bespoke date of your choice, on classic routes up to grade V. The best plan for each day will be chosen and discussed with you early, taking into account the weather and conditions, and your specific goals, where appropriate.
✓ Stress-free, guided classic winter climbing, to suit your level and ability ✓ FREE tuition of skills such as planning, ropework and 'seconding' skills ✓ FREE hire of a helmet, harness, crampons, ropes and climbing gear |
Title:
Classic Winter Climbs Classic Winter Climbs 2-day Classic Winter Climbs 3-day Classic Winter Climbs 5-day 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Dates on demand Dates on demand Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 2 2 2 1 2 |
Price:
£160 £310 £450 £725 £320p/d £300p/d |
Ratio:
1:2 1:2 1:2 1:2 1:1 1:2 |
- What is included in the price?
Instruction at the above ratios, tea/coffee at the start of the activity or course, all non-personal specialist equipment such as ropes and climbing hardware, all emergency first aid equipment, and additional teaching resources where appropriate. - What is not included in the price?
Accommodation, food and drink for the day, personal insurance and personal equipment (unless stated otherwise). - What is the minimum number of participants required to ensure my activity or course runs?
2 for all of the above activities or courses at a 1:2 ratio. And, with fear of being obvious, 1 for 1:1 private bookings! - Who will staff my activity or course?
Your activity or course will be staffed by a fully qualified winter mountaineering and climbing instructor (WMCI) or British mountain guide (BMG). - Can I hire walking boots from you?
No, sorry. Because of vastly different shoe sizes from person to person, I do not stock a large range of walking boots. However, there are numerous shops and hire services available in the local area to your activity or course, or you can Get In Contact if you need any more help acquiring a pair. - Can I hire a rucksack from you?
Yes, please arrange this at the time of booking. Rucksacks cost £20 per person, per day. A deposit of £75 to cover any damage or soiling of the materials is required. - Can I bring along my own helmet, harness, ropes, climbing hardware, axes and crampons to use or ask questions about?
Yes of course, however this equipment will be thoroughly checked by me or another member of staff before it is deemed suitable for use. - How many pairs of gloves do you recommend I bring?
A minimum of 3 waterproof pairs of gloves is recommended for safety and comfort. This is because gloves can quickly become wet in Scotland during the winter, and once a pair of gloves have become wet they will be no longer be useful. - Why do I need ski goggles for climbing in winter?
In Scotland, during the winter, ski goggles are essential for safety and comfort. This is because when snow is falling in windy conditions it is impossible to see without them. - How many pairs, and what type of ski goggles do you recommend I bring?
One pair of ski goggles will suffice, however two is better, just in case you lose a pair. Clear-lens ski goggles are better in most conditions, however ski goggles with red-tinted lenses also work. - Where can I stay?
There are a variety of options, both around the west coast and Aviemore, to suit everybody's tastes and budgets. There are many more options than the ones suggested below, and of the options suggested below, all operate independently from me:
Aviemore hostels - Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel; Aviemore Bunkhouse; Aviemore Youth Hostel.
Aviemore hotels - Premier Inn; Cairngorm Hotel; Highland Resort; The Old Bridge Inn.
Aviemore B&Bs - Dunroamin; Ardlogie Guest House; Carn Mhor; 'Air BnB' options are also available.
West coast hostels - Fort William Backpackers; Glen Nevis Youth Hostel; Glencoe Independant Hostel
West coast hotels - Glencoe Inn; Premier Inn; The Ben Nevis Hotel
West coast B&Bs - Ben Nevis Inn and Bunkhouse; Clachaig Inn; 'Air BnB' options are also available. - What kit do I need to bring?
For all of the above activities and courses, you may be out in the mountains all day, and therefore will require the following:
1. Warm clothing, including a woolly hat, balaclava or buff, gloves, ski goggles and sunglasses
2. Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
3. Walking boots and walking gaitors
4. Food, drink and personal medication
5. Small personal first aid kit, if required (to include things like blister plasters, suncream)
6. Mobile phone and whistle
7. Personal walking poles
8. Personal helmet, harness, walking axe, climbing axes, crampons, and any climbing hardware you own, such as a belay plate or karabiners (unless stated otherwise)
9. Compass (Silva Type 4 recommended) (not required for 'Winter Climbs')
10. Waterproof map of the area (36 - OS Landranger Active Map Grantown and Aviemore or 41 - OS Landranger Active Map Ben Nevis recommended), or a non-waterproof map of the area (36 - OS Landranger Map Grantown and Aviemore or 41 - Landranger Map Ben Nevis) and a waterproof map case (not required for 'Classic Winter Climbs')
11. Head torch and spare batteries
12. Rucksack (40L minimum recommended) and waterproof liner
Have a question about something else? Try the Frequently Asked Questions page.
"Winter climbing in Scotland with Alex was one of the most exciting and rewarding things I've ever done!"
H. Rollins (Private Summer & Winter Walking, Mountaineering and Climbing Skills)
H. Rollins (Private Summer & Winter Walking, Mountaineering and Climbing Skills)
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