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  • Winter Climbing Improvers Course Ben Nevis

    Winter Climbing Improvers Course

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Scottish Winter Climbing Improvers Course

Winter Climbing - Ben Nevis, Glencoe and the Cairngorms

Our Scottish Winter Climbing Improvers Course is designed for those people that want some coaching and pointers to help them move forward from whatever stage they are at. Learning to lead in winter, winter climbing movement coaching on and ice and mixed ground can be covered on this course. The course will be designed around you and your needs.


Some time will be spent with your instructor finding out what it is you need to work on along with your input and then coming up with an action plan from there. This can then be worked on during your course and will give you some pointers to continue developing when you go climbing on your own.


This course is aimed at those wanting to progress up the grades from grade III upwards.


This course runs at a maximum of 1:2 and is run on a completely bespoke nature. Prices start at £330 a day.

Winter Improvers 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 Climbing and Mountaineering Equipment.
  • Seconding some harder routes to help you consolidate your climbing movement and techniques.
  • Fitting and carrying of Winter Equipment
  • What equipment/rack you should be carrying for Winter Climbing
  • Learning to Lead (if appropriate)
  • 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 in winter climbing or winter mountaineering is ideal for this course. At a minimum, an experienced trad climbing background and winter walking would also be appropriate. 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

Winter Improvers Open Course dates


Winter Improvers course is a 5 day course at a cost of £850 per person.

If you cannot see a date that works for you, please get in touch and we can look at arranging other courses if there is a demand.

Winter Improvers enquiry

If you have any questions or wish to make a last minute enquiry, please do get in touch.

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