Winter Skills

Winter brings additional challenges to the Scottish mountains, which offer some of the most beautiful and challenging walking country in Europe. Snow, ice and quickly changing weather conditions can find the hill walker subjected to the additional challenges of wind, cold and blizzards on the high plateaus of the Cairngorms and the jagged peaks of the west. Walking in winter terrain can be surprisingly different to walking in summer terrain and the winter environment should not be underestimated.

However, the challenges and the breathtaking beauty of the mountains in winter make for an unforgettable experience.

The aim of our Winter Skills courses are to introduce you to the basic skills needed to walk independently in winter. You do not need prior winter walking experience but a good level of fitness is essential. Courses are normally based in the Northern Cairngorms or surrounding area.

Courses run with a maximum of four participants.

Courses cover:

• Planning a day out in winter

• What equipment to take 

• Avalanche avoidance

•  Safe movement skills on snow and ice

• Using an ice axe and crampons 

• Ice axe arrest

• Winter navigation, and

• Emergency procedures