INTRO TO WINTER CLIMBING

This course is all about getting you out Winter climbing

A typical 2-day introduction course might look like this:

Day 1 – introduction to basic winter skills, weather and avalanche information and work out what areas are safe to climb in. After working out some basic crampon and ice axe techniques it’s time to get on a route. Almost all the winter climbing will be multi pitch, possibly involving abseils to get down. It’s not a problem if you have not done multi pitch climbs or abseiled before, we can progress at your pace. 

Day 2 – a full day of climbing. Consolidating skills from the previous day and adjusting the grade of climb to suit you. Sometimes people like a harder climb on the second day. 

If the weather is to poor to be on the tops we may climb partial routes then abseil off, work on fundamental climbing skills lower down the mountain or practice on short challenging ‘dry tooling’ routes. 

A typical 5 day course would start the same as a 2 day with the rest of the week left open for adventure. 

With a 5 day course we have much more opportunity to make the most from the weather. If we have a bad weather day we can work on skills and techniques lower down the mountain ready for the following days climbing. 

You also have a much greater opportunity to build a relationship with your instructor. This is one of the most important things for me. Winter is hard and challenging so trust in your instructor and your instructor trusting you plays a massive part. As that relationship builds the adventure and challenge can be set at the right level, allowing you to get the most out of your time in the mountains. 

Another part of a 5 day course would be the ability to travel to different locations. With 5 days we are very likely to spend time in different parts of Scotland, heading to the West Coast or the North West Highlands for at least one day. The climbing in the North West Highlands it even more incredible. Quiet, untouched mountains rising from the sea. They are very long days mind so normally one of these a week is realistic.

All aspects of winter climbing can be covered. Snow and ice conditions, avalanche awareness using the ‘Be Avalanche Aware’ process, route choices, navigation to and from the climbs, using your crampons and axes on ice, snow and rock, abseils and more. 

Please get in touch to start planning your bespoke climbing adventure. 

Duration 1-5 days

Ratio 1:1 or 1:2

Cost From £165 per day per person at 1:2 ratio  

What’s included

• All technical climbing equipment. Harness, helmet, crampons, ice axes etc.

• Transport from accommodation to the mountains and back. To be arranged when booking. A fuel surcharge will be added if we decide to drive further away to enjoy more remote destinations. 

What you need

• Personal clothing including waterproofs. 

• Winter boots either b2 or b3. 

• Lunch, drink and snacks each day.

• For more information on clothing, boots food and drink please see kit list below. 

• Sense of adventure!

You can view our winter kit list online here >