Winter Scrambling
...the art of mountaineering is knowing when to go, when to stay, and when to retreat...
In Scottish winter, no two days are the same. Weather is a constantly-changing factor, and variable conditions underfoot can quickly dictate a completely different tactic from one day to the next; Even in an almost-identical situation you may feel that today the rope is required, whereas yesterday you could have continued without. Winter scrambling can truly involve anything and everything, from negotiating a broad snow ridge or gully, with the use of one axe, to climbing steep rock and ice with the use of two. For this reason, winter scrambling is often best understood as winter mountaineering.
When you begin to seek out more demanding terrain, your range of techniques, judgement and skill needs to increase. These activities and courses provide the opportunity for you to safely experience winter scrambling at its very best, and learn everything from basic to advanced mountaineering techniques, to ensure you can safely continue your journey, wherever your future takes you.
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 or 1:4. If you are a larger group than 4, and/or an individual or group, who wish to have a bespoke activity or course, then please Get In Contact to discuss your aspirations.
When you begin to seek out more demanding terrain, your range of techniques, judgement and skill needs to increase. These activities and courses provide the opportunity for you to safely experience winter scrambling at its very best, and learn everything from basic to advanced mountaineering techniques, to ensure you can safely continue your journey, wherever your future takes you.
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 or 1:4. If you are a larger group than 4, and/or an individual or group, who wish to have a bespoke activity or course, then please Get In Contact to discuss your aspirations.
WALKER TO MOUNTAINEER
This 2-day course is aimed at proficient winter walkers looking to progress into steeper terrain, to learn and develop winter mountaineering techniques. Day 1 will focus on grade I snow gullies; Day 2 on grade I rocky terrain and/or ridges. The itinerary is flexible to suit the weather, conditions and group aims.
✓ Planning a mountaineering journey, including what equipment to take ✓ Interpreting avalanche forecasts, and understanding weather forecasts ✓ Transfer movement skills into steeper terrain, in ascent and descent ✓ Basic ropework, belaying techniques, and use of snow and rock anchors ✓ Abseiling using snow and rock anchors, and emergency procedures ✓ FREE hire of a helmet, harness, axe, crampons, rope and climbing gear |
Title:
Walker to Mountaineer 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
4 1 4 |
Price:
£229 £450 £219 |
Ratio:
1:4 1:1 1:4 |
WINTER MOUNTAINEERING WEEK
Aimed at proficient winter walkers looking to progress into steeper terrain, this course offers 5 days of progressive winter mountaineering skills, including advanced techniques in addition to those outlined in the above course; Applied in a greater variety of conditions, and larger range of venues, enabling you to gain a deeper understanding, and build further confidence in your own ability. The itinerary is flexible to suit the weather, conditions, and group aims.
✓ Execute self-planned journeys and visit grade II/III terrain, if appropriate ✓ Advanced techniques, such as moving together and short-roping ✓ Exploring the use of a rope within winter navigation ✓ FREE hire of a helmet, harness, axe, crampons, rope and climbing gear |
Title:
Winter Mountaineering Week 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
4 1 4 |
Price:
£419 £1250 £380 |
Ratio:
1:4 1:1 1:4 |
WEST COAST CLASSIC RIDGES
Between Glen Coe and Ben Nevis, are the most famous ridges in all of mainland Scotland; Tower Ridge, Curved Ridge, the Aonach Eagach, and the Carn Mor Dearg arete, to name but a few. Each provide their own unique and awe-inspiring experience, and when covered in a winter coat, require a good deal of skill and tenacity to overcome and enjoy. Be guided over 5 days, along some of these legendary routes, whilst developing mountaineering skills along the way. The itinerary is flexible to suit the weather, conditions, and group aims.
✓ Stress-free, guided winter scrambling, to suit your level and ability ✓ FREE tuition of skills such as planning, ropework and 'seconding' skills ✓ FREE hire of a helmet, harness, axe, crampons, rope and climbing gear |
Title:
West Coast Classic Ridges 1:1 Private tuition Private group tuition |
Dates:
Dates on demand Please state preferred dates Please state preferred dates |
Spaces:
2 1 2 |
Price:
£699 £1349 £679 |
Ratio:
1:3 1:1 1:3 |
- What is included in the price?
Instruction at the above ratios, tea/coffee at the start of the activity or course, all emergency first aid equipment, and additional maps and 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 1:4 or 1:3 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 scrambling 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 'West Coast Classic Ridges')
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 'West Coast Classic Ridges')
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.
"Alex took me out for my first winter scramble, kept me safe, made me laugh and taught me lots. His manner and approach is both supportive and educational. If you want to come away with both a fantastic experience and a set of improved skills, spend a day with him!"
D. Webb (Winter Scrambling)
D. Webb (Winter Scrambling)
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