Two climbers ascending a snow-covered mountain, with one climber in the foreground taking a selfie and the other in the background.
Climber with yellow helmet and red jacket ascending snowy mountain face using orange safety ropes.

Learn to Lead in Winter

This course is designed for climbers with prior winter experience who are now aiming to become more independent and confident leaders in winter environments. Throughout the course, we’ll focus on developing technical skills, decision-making, and safe leadership practices on Scottish winter terrain.

Each day is adapted to weather, conditions, and your personal progression — but here’s what a typical itinerary might look like:

Key Skills Covered:

  • Route selection & approach planning

  • Avalanche and weather interpretation

  • Risk management & mitigation

  • Gear placement (rock, ice, snow)

  • Snow belays and anchor systems

  • Efficient ropework & stance management

  • Coaching on climbing movement & technique

  • Leadership decision-making in winter environments

Fitness & Experience Required:

Participants must have prior winter climbing experience (Grade I/II minimum), strong hill fitness, and a desire to lead or become more independent in the mountains. This is not a beginner’s course.

Person climbing a snowy, rocky mountain with safety gear and tools, smiling at the camera while ascending a steep, wintry cliff.
A person in blue winter gear and a helmet sitting in an ice crevasse.

  • PRICING

    2-Day Course

    • 1:1 – £660

    • 1:2 – £720

    DATES

    • These courses are delivered on a private guiding basis, scheduled around your preferred dates and objectives.

    • We recommend booking as a 1:2 ratio, as this provides a better experience and allows for realistic lead climbing practice.

    LOCATION

    Flexible - One of the key advantages of this course is its adaptability. The location will be chosen based on where the weather conditions are most favourable.

    Having access to your own vehicle can be helpful. However, we are equally happy to collect you from your accommodation.

  • PERSONAL KIT TO BRING

    Clothing & Footwear

    • Quality waterproofs (e.g., Gore-Tex or equivalent)

    • Gaiters (to be worn underneath waterproofs)

    • B3-style mountaineering boots

    • Winter walking socks

    • Warm hat

    • Gloves (minimum 2 spare pairs)

    • Large synthetic insulated jacket

    • Wicking base layers (top and bottoms)

    Technical Equipment

    • C3 crampons

    • Helmet

    • Harness

    • Climbing axes

    • Ice axe leashes

    • HMS karabiner

    • Belay device

    Other Essentials

    • Goggles (double clear lens recommended)

    • Head torch (with spare batteries)

    • Compass

    • Rucksack (30–40 L)

    • Lunch & warm drink

    KIT PROVIDED FOR YOUR USE

    • Crampons

    • Ice Axe

    • Helmet

      Please inform us in advance if you require any kit.

    • B2 or B3 Winter boots

      We can book boots from local outdoor shops for you to rent from, prices may vary depending on the outdoor shop.

    All technical climbing equipment—such as ropes and protective gear—is provided by the guide.

  • Book now

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    Make an enquiry

Two climbers in red jackets with helmets ascending a snow-covered mountain. One climber is closer to the camera, smiling, and the other, further below, is climbing with a safety rope.