The mountains in winter bring a world of new and exciting challenges. If you have dreams of big days in winter but feel that you need to work on a particular skill, or set of skills to help you feel safer and more confident, then you are in the right place. Maybe you’re an experienced hillwalker who wants to learn how to use crampons and an ice axe for the first time? Or, maybe you are an experienced mountaineer looking for a new challenge, or simply for some advice? Our winter mountaineering courses may be just what you’re looking for.
* If your booking coincides with unsuitable conditions we will offer an alternative date or a refund if re-booking is not possible.
This course is aimed at experienced summer hillwalkers who want to venture into the mountains in winter. We aim to help you develop confidence and good judgment, as well as the practical skills required to move safely and efficiently using crampons and a walking or mountaineering axe.
Our Advanced Winter Mountaineering course is geared towards confident summer and winter hillwalkers and scramblers. If you are looking to develop your existing mountaineering skills and take on bigger and more challenging objectives then this course is for you.
Some previous summer hill walking experience is essential. Our Winter Mountaineering courses are geared towards adventurous hill walkers and scramblers. However, we strive to offer flexible, tailored instruction specific to your goals.
Both of our Winter Mountaineering courses work well on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis (instructor to participant), although up to 4 people can participate. Both can be booked from one to three days in duration.
Our pricing structure is based on a sliding scale with a reduced daily fee for every additional day booked. If you would like to reserve a contingency day around your preferred date/s in order to pick the best weather and conditions for your course or activity we may be able to arrange this for an additional fee. For more details, please see our pricing structure.
We offer a range of scheduled activities that are open to the public and that can be booked online via the red ‘Book Now’ button. Anything else (including these courses) can only be booked privately and enquiries can be made via the form on this page or via the contact form at the top of the page. We require a 30% deposit to secure private bookings and full payment prior to your course or activity commencing. If you would like any more information or have a specific question, please get in touch.
If you have any of your own equipment we will encourage you to use it as long as it’s suitable. We have a small range of hire equipment available should you be missing anything. As a minimum, you will need to bring your own winter mountaineering boots (B2/B3), warm and waterproof clothing, and a packed lunch. Please see links to specific courses for a more comprehensive equipment list.
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Team celebrations on Gearr Aonach. Working for @westcoast_mountainguides #winterskills
