Introductory winter mountaineering course in Scotland

Join this introductory mountaineering course in Scotland and develop your winter and summit skills with Ken, an MIC certified instructor.

+1 Days

Jan - Mar

Intermediate

Beginner

Description

If you enjoy hillwalking in summer, but now you’d like to explore high mountains in winter, join me in this introductory mountaineering course in Scotland! Come and discover the spectacular scenery of Glencoe and Fort William in the Highlands.

I offer you here a 5-day course, but if you prefer a 2-day course it's also possible. In winter, conditions and weather change rapidly, so this mountaineering course in Scotland will help you develop your winter and summit skills to face additional challenges. Besides, this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn about the special requirements of equipment, winter clothing, crampons and ice axe skills.

We’ll place a strong emphasis on navigation and safe route choice. Thus, each day we’ll plan and assess the snow and weather conditions in order to choose appropriate routes. I also want you to understand the importance of avalanche awareness.

You should have a reasonable level of fitness to join this mountaineering course in Scotland, as we’ll climb a number of winter “Munros”. We’ll spend most days (6/8 hours) on mountains between 600 and 1200m high. Around Fort William and Glencoe, there are many Munros and Corbetts. This is a small selection of what is possible:

Aonach Mor and Aonach Beag
Stob Ban & Mullach nan Coirean in The Mamores
Ben Nevis
Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh (Buachaille Etive Beag) in Glencoe
Creag Meagaidh
Stob Coire nan Lochan and Bidean nam Bian in Glencoe

The Munros of Aonach Beag and Aonach Mor can be accessed by lift, therefore you'll have more time for training winter skills. You'll have to cover by yourself the the small costs of this.

During this course you’ll put the essential skills in use in order to ascend 900 meters by a straightforward route. Besides, on the 5 day-course you’ll have the chance to use the skills just learnt. You will plan and lead your own mountain days with my company.

Note that if you choose to do the 2-day course we will combine the itinerary of days 1,2 and 3 in these two days for you to learn all the skills.

Please contact me if you want to join me for this mountaineering course in Scotland! I’ll be happy to answer your questions. And if you're looking for an even more demanding expedition in Scotland, join me for the Cuilin ridge climbing traverse.

Price includes

Guiding fee

Itinerary

Day 1: Essential skills

We’ll do equipment checks and learn essential skills: step kicking/cutting, ice axe arrest, walking on crampons and snow cave shelters.

Day 2: Ascent

We’ll ascend a 900m mountain by a straightforward route. Group survival shelters.

Day 3: Essential Skills

We’ll learn other essential skills: navigation, map and compass, pacing and timing and “white-out” techniques.

Day 4 to 5: Skills in action

We’ll use the learnt skills to plan and lead your own mountain days, accompanied by me.

Details

More info

Price for 2-day course: £210

Level: summer walkers with a reasonable level of hill fitness.

Equipment: -Socks –a medium to thick pair of synthetic or wool/synthetic blend socks. -Thermal/Base Layers -Fleeces. At least one for your upper body. Having an extra fleece top in a waterproof liner at the bottom of your rucksack is essential. -Walking trousers -Warm Hat and Waterproof Gloves -Waterproof jacket and over trousers ( Outer shell clothing) -Rucsac. A medium volume sac (30 -45 litres) is best, with ice axe carrying loops. -Bivvy Bag. A large person sized poly or foil survival bag is the minimum requirement. -Gaiters or Stop-tous -Head Torch -First Aid kit -Compass/Map. The map should be weather-proofed in a clear plastic map case or covered with clear sticky back plastic. -Whistle/Watch -Flask –0.5-1 litre for hot drinks on the hill. -Lunch & Spare Food -Ski Goggles -Boots. They should be crampon compatible, with a stiffness rating of B1 minimum, and ideally B2. B3 boots are fine, if you find them comfortable. -Crampons. They should have 10 or 12 points and be compatible with your boots. We suggest anti-balling plates and cutting your straps not too short. -Ice Axe of 50–65cm. You can choose to have either a wrist loop or leash. We recommend going without, as they can get in the way. -Helmet

Meeting point

About the guide

West Coast Mountain Guides

4.9

(23)

Mountain Leader

We are based in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain and arguably the most iconic and sought-after winter climbing venue in Britain.

All our instructors and guides have extensive, relevant experience which is eagerly passed on to everyone taking part in instructional mountaineering courses, private guiding and worldwide expeditions. This background, together with a genuine passion for adventure, can only inspire and motivate our customers to achieve their own goals.

Languages

English

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What people are saying about West Coast Mountain Guides

Ken immediately made us feel welcomed and we had a good chat on the walk in before gearing up for the ridge ascent. Both my son and I had a fantastic experience thanks to Ken's calm, expertise in leading us over Tower Ridge and then descending via Ledge Ridge to round off a great day. Highly recommended!

Ken was a fantastic guide, safe, experienced and took us on an incredible adventure!

have just come back from completing an ascent of ledge route and a descent via no4 gully, guided by Ken. absolutely fantastic day and Ken was friendly, professional and very confidence inspiring. cant recommend highly enough and I'll definitely be back next season!

Ken took me and my son up the north face ledge route to the top of Ben Nevis. It was a challenge in places - particularly with the snow and ice - but it was an unforgettable experience! Ken was a great guide.

I usually do these things with my Husband, but we currently live in Singapore and I’m back visiting family and didn’t want to miss out. I was doubly anxious because our usual guide was unavailable, but Ken quickly put me at ease. For me that’s about feeling like I have all the information I need, being reassured that I’m making good time and having a few scheduled breaks for snacks etc. We also had a good chat, which made the walk in fly by. A very enjoyable day, I felt safe and comfortable throughout. I hope to be back in the future for more adventures.