Person in orange winter gear sitting in the snow with legs spread out, smiling and making rock-and-roll hand signs, with another person in orange gear standing nearby in a snowy environment.
Three climbers on a snowy mountain, wearing yellow and black jackets, helmets, and outdoor gear, smiling at the camera.

5-Day Winter Skills Course Itinerary

Build confidence. Move safely. Explore further.

This course is perfect for anyone new to the winter hills or those wanting to refresh and develop essential winter mountain skills. Whether you're looking to become more independent or just move more confidently in snow and ice, this course will give you the tools and knowledge to enjoy the mountains safely in winter.

No previous winter experience is required—just good general hillwalking fitness and a sense of adventure.

Day 1 – Introduction to Winter & Movement Essentials

  • Meet & welcome briefing

  • Kit check: understanding winter equipment

  • Introduction to winter navigation and avalanche forecasts

  • Basic use of ice axe and crampons

  • Movement on snow and gentle slopes

  • Short journey to apply skills

Day 2 – Steeper Terrain & Footwork Techniques

  • Movement coaching on steeper ground

  • Kicking steps, using crampons effectively

  • Ice axe use for support and self-arrest

  • Reading terrain and choosing safe lines

  • Planning and executing a short winter journey

Day 3 – Winter Navigation & Route Planning

  • Navigating in poor visibility (map, compass, and strategies)

  • Timings, pacing, bearings, and features

  • Avalanche awareness: reading the forecast and applying it

  • Route planning based on terrain, weather, and avalanche conditions

  • Emergency procedures

Day 4 – Avalanche Awareness & Emergency Skills

  • In-depth avalanche terrain recognition

  • Using the Be Avalanche Aware process

  • Building and using emergency shelters (snowholes, bothy bags)

  • Group management in poor conditions

  • Dealing with incidents in remote winter settings

Day 5 – Consolidation Journey Day

  • Full mountain journey applying all skills learned

  • Route planning and navigation led by the group (with instructor support)

  • Decision-making in real conditions

  • Steeper ground movement, safe travel techniques

  • Final review, personal feedback, and next steps

Skills You’ll Learn:

  • Confident movement with crampons and ice axe

  • Self-arrest and use of technical equipment

  • Winter navigation in poor visibility

  • Interpreting avalanche and weather forecasts

  • Terrain management and route selection

  • Emergency shelter building and basic survival skills

Who Is This Course For?

  • Beginners new to winter mountain walking

  • Summer hillwalkers looking to move safely in winter

  • Those returning to winter and wanting a confidence boost

  • Quality waterproofs i.e. Gore-tex or similar

    Gaiters (to be worn underneath your waterproofs)

    B2-B3 style boots

    Warm hat

    Gloves x2 spares minimum

    Winter walking socks

    Large synthetic jacket

    Wicking base layers, top & bottoms

    Goggles, double clear lens recommended

    Head torch, plus spare batteries

    Lunch & warm drink

    Rucksack 30-40ltr

    Compass

    • Crampons

    • Ice Axes

    • Helmet

    • B2 or B3 Winter boots

    Please inform us in advance if you require any kit. We will then book it from local outdoor shops.

  • Location: Flexible to You

    The beauty of this course is that it’s entirely adaptable. The exact location will be tailored to your needs, preferences, and, of course, the weather.

    Once you’ve submitted an enquiry, Jack or Ella will give you a call to chat through your goals, experience, and ideal climbing areas. Together, we’ll build a course that works around you.

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