Three climbers on a snowy mountain, wearing yellow and black jackets, helmets, and outdoor gear, smiling at the camera.

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

Two hikers in red and black jackets walking on snowy mountain terrain at sunrise, with snow-capped peaks in the background.
A person in blue winter gear and a helmet sitting in a snow pit on a snowy mountain, smiling after climbing or rescue work, with climbing and safety equipment visible.

    • 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

  • 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

  • PRICE

    5-Day Course — £550 per person

    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.

  • 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.

  • Book bespoke dates

    View course dates

    Book in Instalments

    Make an enquiry