5-Day Winter Skills Course
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.
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
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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
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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
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PRICE
5-Day Course — £550 per person
(the course must have 3 participants to run. If the course does not fill then you will be offered the option to upgrade your adventure to Private Guiding.)
DATES
This course is available on both scheduled dates and flexible dates arranged to suit your availability.
Dates of scheduled courses can be found in booking options.
LOCATION
Most of our Winter Skills courses are delivered in Aviemore, within the Cairngorms National Park, or in the Fort William area.
Specific locations for each course can be found below according to the scheduled dates.
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PERSONAL KIT TO BRING
Clothing & Footwear
Quality waterproofs (e.g., Gore-Tex or equivalent)
Gaiters (worn underneath waterproofs)
B2–B3 mountaineering boots
Warm hat
Gloves (minimum 2 spare pairs)
Winter walking socks
Large synthetic insulated jacket
Wicking base layers (top and bottoms)
Equipment
Goggles (double clear lens recommended)
Head torch (with spare batteries)
Compass
Rucksack (30–40 L)
Food & Hydration
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.
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