WINTER

Scotland in winter is like no other part of the world. The conditions are almost always challenging. The weather is often against you. Yet the mountains and the climbs are always calling for you to try and get up them! 

Winter Climbing

Scottish winter climbing has got to be one of the most rewarding climbing experiences possible.  

The climbing is different to other winter destinations. Scotland has ice climbing, but it also has mixed climbing. A lot of the time you are climbing on a variety of snow, rock, frozen turf and ice, hooking or twisting your ice axe in a thin rock crack whilst kicking your crampons into ice lower down.  

Describing why people love Scottish winter climbing is really difficult, it simply makes you feel alive. It is both challenging and hard work but those two things make it extremely rewarding. The weather and conditions are often sub optimal which only adds to the adventure. Managing yourself in strong winds, hood up, buff and goggles on to protect from the snow blowing in your face, winter climbing in Scotland is real. It’s not for everyone, but if you like your challenges hard this is the place to test yourself.  

Typically I run my courses from Aviemore in the East Highlands of Scotland. The Cairngorm mountain range offers superb climbing with relatively short walk in’s to reach the climbs, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Introduction winter climbing courses can be ran on the west coast around Fort William but you can expect walk in’s to be greater than 1 ½ hours up to 2 ½ hours. Please simply mention what location you would prefer when enquiring.  

I run flexible climbing courses designed for complete beginners, through to developing winter lead climbing and guided winter climbing on Scottish classics. Courses can be designed to suit you from 1 to 5 days in duration.   

Introduction to Winter Climbing >

Learn to Winter Lead Climb >

Guided Winter Climbing >

Winter Scrambling & Mountaineering

The mountains of North Wales offer awesome adventure potential. Enjoy some classic rocky ridges and gullies, moving fluidly through the hills with minimal equipment.

Winter Skills & Navigation

Whether you want to learn about navigation and mountain skills, or would like someone to guide you up Snowdon, the mountains of North Wales offer spectacular scenery for all abilities.

Winter Mountain Leader Refresher

Whether you’re about to take your Mountain Leader Winter Assessment, or just need an up-to-date reminder of the syllabus, our weekend refresher course will ensure you are well prepared and confident.