Course

No, you don’t need any previous winter climbing or mountaineering experience to join our Scottish Winter Skills course. The course is designed for those who are new to winter conditions or want to build their skills. If you have experience in summer hillwalking or mountaineering, that will certainly help, but we will cover all the basics, from safe movement on snow and ice to using the essential winter gear.

On our Scottish Winter Skills course, you’ll learn essential skills to safely navigate and climb in winter conditions, including:

• Footwork and movement skills
• Ice axe and Crampon use on a variety of terrains
• Route planning, navigation and risk management in winter weather
• Avalanche awareness and how to assess snow conditions
• Emergency procedures
• By the end of the course, you’ll feel confident using your winter gear and applying these skills in real-world conditions.

Please see kit list below

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Mountain weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, and safety is our priority. If conditions are deemed unsafe (e.g. high winds, avalanche risk), we will adjust the course itinerary, change locations, or reschedule for another day if necessary. We’ll keep you updated and make sure you get the most out of the experience, whatever the weather – there’s always something productive to do in Scotland!

Our Scottish Winter Skills course typically lasts two to five days. Each day will be spent in the mountains, with practical, hands-on learning. We’ll meet in the morning to discuss the day’s objectives, then head out into the hills to practice skills such as ice axe arrest, crampon use, and navigation. Expect a mix of walking, instruction, and time to practice the techniques you’ve learned, while aiming to complete some great walks.

The course is suitable for people with a good level of fitness who are comfortable walking on hilly terrain. Winter conditions can be more demanding, so you should be prepared for long days out in the mountains, potentially walking in deep snow and carrying extra weight due to your winter gear. If you’re unsure about your fitness level, please get in touch, and we can discuss whether the course is suitable for you.

Yes, we can provide essential equipment for hire, including crampons, helmets and ice axes, for an additional charge. If you’re unsure about what you need, feel free to contact us, and we can help arrange the right kit for you. You will, however, need to bring your own winter boots (can be hired) and clothing (warm layers, waterproofs, etc.).

No. We arrange to meet at café or similar location early on day one to kit check, introduce the course and plan the day. From there we will head to the venue for the day. We are based in Fort William, so if you’re staying in the town then we may be able to share a lift. Subsequent days we often meet near the venue for the day.

Scotland is quite a journey from many parts of the UK, especially for a weekend! You’ll need to factor this into your travel arrangements and time off. Fort William has both rail and bus stations. The nearest airports are Glasgow and Inverness. While it is possible to hire cars from either, Glasgow has better public transport options: There are three direct trains per day, with a journey time of nearly four hours, and CityLink offers six direct buses a day, with a journey time of just over three hours. If coming from the south-east, there is the popular overnight train originating in London.

We understand that winter mountaineering gear can be a significant investment, and it’s always a good idea to bring your own equipment, when possible, for comfort and fit – especially for things like boots. However, we offer the option to hire some items if needed – just let us know well in advance, and we’ll arrange the hire and provide cost details. Here’s what you’ll need for the course:

• Rucksack (35-45L)
  A simple, rugged design (avoid airflow system backs). 
• Winter Boots (B2 rated minimum, B3 for climbing courses)
  Make sure they fit well before the course! Available for hire.
• Crampons (C2 rating, e.g., Grivel G12)
  These should fit your boots properly. For climbing courses, we may suggest more aggressive front points, such as the G14s. Available for hire.
• Ice Axes (T-rated shaft, approx. 55cm for mountaineering)
  A single axe for mountaineering or a pair of climbing axes (with clipper leashes) for climbing courses. Available for hire.
• Climbing Helmet
  Make sure it fits comfortably with your hat underneath. Available for hire.
• Climbing Harness
  Essential for climbing courses, not needed for Winter Skills; check that all your clothing fits comfortably under it. Available for hire.
• Goggles
• Anti-fog, double-lens design. Avoid overly dark lenses. Available for hire.

(Choose the best quality that fits your needs)

• Socks
  Whatever works for you, but avoid cotton. If new to winter boots, carry blister plasters or zinc oxide tape in your first aid kit.
• Gaiters
  To keep snow out of your boots. Alternatively, waterproof trousers with integrated gaiters are a good option.
• Base Layer Tops
  Thermal and wicking materials. Consider both short- and long-sleeve options.
• Trousers
  A base layer and a regular pair of walking trousers work best. Softshell is a great choice, but whatever suits you under waterproofs.
• Fleece Tops
  One thin and one thicker fleece. Softshell is good for one layer, and a hood is a great addition.
• Insulated Jacket
  Go for synthetic (NOT down) with a loose fit that allows layering.
• Waterproof Top
  A sturdy jacket with a helmet-compatible hood and good chest pockets that fit a map.
• Waterproof Bottoms
  Choose durable trousers with full-length zips and braces for comfort.
• Hat
  No bobble hats; choose a style that fits under your helmet. A buff can be useful for face protection.
• Gloves
  A thin dexterous pair for general use, and a couple of waterproof, warm pairs (ideally with leather palms). Gloves (and hands!) will get wet in Scottish winter conditions!

• Waterproof Case/Bag
  For your phone, wallet, and keys.
• Waterproof Bag for inside your Rucksack
  To keep all your gear dry.
• Headtorch
  Plus spare batteries. We recommend bringing two torches; it’s easier to swap torches than change batteries in a storm.
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen
  Yes, even in winter! The sun can still be strong at higher altitudes.
• Water Bottle/Flask
  1L Nalgene and/or a small insulated flask is ideal. Avoid platypus-style bottles as they freeze easily. Top tip: hydrate well the night before and drink in the morning to reduce your load.
• Compass
  Silva Type 4 or similar. Always good to have a spare – we’ll bring extras.
• Maps
  Waterproof maps or with a case. We will advise you on specific areas. We’ll have spare maps on the day.
• Watch
  A stopwatch is essential for navigation and to ensure we finish in time for tea and cake!
• Walking Poles with Snow Baskets
  A great help when wading through snow and icy terrain.

(Required for your own safety; we’ll have these, but if you’re out on your own, you must carry them)

• Survival Bag
  A Blizzard Bag (NOT a survival blanket).
• Group Shelter
  A Bothy Bag for group use.
• Small First Aid Kit
• Include any personal medications you might need.