Intro to Winter Climbing Course

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Introduction to Scottish Winter Climbing Course

Fort William, Scotland - Ben Nevis, Glencoe and the Cairngorms

If you are a summer rock climber or winter walker looking for a Scottish Winter Climbing Course then our Introduction to Scottish Winter Climbing Course would be perfect for you. Generally working on grade II/III ground we will look at placing gear, belay construction, stance management, winter climbing movement and 'winterizing' your current skills set.

This Winter Climbing Course can be for those looking to be competent climbing seconds or those looking to lead and become self-sufficient on easier graded climbs.

Our courses are based around the Glencoe, Ben Nevis and the Cairngorms and can run for as long or as little as you like depending on how much coaching or instruction you feel you need or want. This course is run on a maximum ratio of 1:2 and prices start at £330 per day.

We also run open courses, which are available for individuals to join. These are run on set dates through the winter season. The cost for the 2 day course will be £400 and the cost for a 5 day course will be £850. Please see the dates below.

Introduction to winter climbing course dates winter 2024/25

2 day courses - £400 per person

5 day courses - £850 per person

Intro to Winter Climbing enquiry

Introduction to Winter Climbing Course - Learn to lead

Intro to winter Climbing course, snow anchors

Intro to Winter Climbing Course Outline

All of our Winter climbing Courses will cover as much as they can given the conditions at the time. It is not always possible to cover every aspect but we will try our best.

Refresher to Winter Walking and climbing Equipment
Fitting and carrying of Winter Equipment
What equipment/rack you should be carrying for Winter Climbing
Refresher in Walking/moving on snow and mixed ground with both boots and crampons.
Placing and selecting rock and ice protection
Snow anchors
Building belays
Abseiling
Route selection
Route planning taking into consideration of the weather and avalanche forecast
The Be Avalanche Aware Process
Emergency procedures

Previous experience required for this trip

Prior experience of winter walking or rock climbing is ideal for this course. It is an introduction course and we can tailor content to individuals.

A reasonable to high level of fitness is required. You should expect to be out on the hills for about 7 hours each day. We can tailor the route to people's fitness levels.

Winter Skills kit list

Winter-rated boots - B2 or B3 ideally. B1 winter boots may be ok too but you may find they are not warm enough or quite stiff enough for steeper and harder snow.
Crampons - compatible with your boots.
A pair of climbing axes.
Waterproof jacket and trousers. An absolute must
Socks.
Baselayers are to be worn next to the skin. (not cotton)
Comfortable walking trousers. Light-weight and dry quickly
Warm mid-layers. At least two, one to wear and one as an emergency layer.
Hats and gloves. Multiple pairs of gloves are best. Your gloves will likely get wet at some point and having spares will give you the option to change into a dry pair of gloves.
Head torch.
A small personal first aid kit. Plasters, paracetamol/ibuprofin and personal meds etc.
Drinks bottle/flask. 1L should be enough. You will be passing fresh water in the mountains, so you do not need to carry too much.
A rucksack. Anything larger than a 35/40L pack will do and a waterproof liner
Emergency survival bag/bivi shelter
Helmet
Harness
Belay device

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