Introductory Winter Skills Courses Overview
Our Winter Skills courses are designed for summer hillwalkers who want to develop the skills and confidence to travel safely and independently in winter. Previous summer hillwalking experience is desirable. Courses run from December to April, when winter conditions are most likely.
Each day begins by planning a suitable journey based on the group’s experience, the weather, snow conditions and potential hazards. Learning then takes place in the mountains, where you’ll develop practical skills in relevant terrain.
Depending on conditions, we’ll cover winter equipment, movement over snow and ice, ice axe and crampon use, navigation, route choice, hazard awareness and emergency procedures.
The focus is on developing sound judgement and decision-making, rather than simply learning a checklist of techniques. Courses are tailored to your ability and ambitions, offering a rewarding and challenging day of practical learning.
Courses are available in the Lake District and Scotland and can be run over one or two days.
How many can participate?
This course works well with a maximum ratio of 1:6 (instructor to participant) and can be booked for one or two days in duration. This low ratio will ensure you receive quality instruction.
How much will it cost?
Our standard rates are for private one-to-one guiding or instruction. Additional participants can join for £50 per person, per day, subject to suitable ratios for the activity.
For longer adventures, bookings of five or more consecutive guiding days receive a 10% reduction on our standard guiding fees.
How to book
Let us know which course you’d like to book, along with your preferred date/s a brief outline of your experience. We require a 30% deposit to secure all bookings with full payment due prior to the start date of your course.