Winter Climbing

Instructor to Client Ratio 1:2 usual maximum (1:3 is possible but this will drastically reduce the number and difficulty of climbs open to us).

Whether you are a summer climber looking to winterise your climbing skills or a winter scrambler looking to move onto steeper ground we can help you take the next steps towards becoming a safe independent winter climber. Scottish winter climbing is an all over body activity and requires both skill and cunning to make the most of conditions. The same climb can be a totally different experience on 2 consecutive days making Scottish Winter climbing one of the most adventurous things you’ll ever do.

Topics to look at include:

  • Reading the conditions and selecting a route
  • Single tool mountaineering on grade I/II ground
  • Using the axe and the Hammer on steeper climbs
  • Snow, ice and mixed climbing techniques
  • Winter anchor and runner selection
  • Winter belays and stance management
  • Introduction to moving together on grade I/II ground

For those looking to a good introduction to Winter Mountaineering skills we offer private courses of any length.

Climbs to be tackled might include: Sron Na Lairig in Glencoe (II), Curved Ridge on the Buachaille (II), the Aonach Eagach in Glencoe (II), North Buttress on the Buachaille (III), Castle Ridge (III), Number 3 Gully Buttress (III), Left Twin (III), Tower Ridge (IV,3), Ordinary Route on Stob Coire Nan Lochain (IV), Green Gully (IV) Ben Nevis, Comb Gully (IV) Ben Nevis.

Courses are subject to the needs and fitness of the clients and prevailing conditions but a sample programme might be:

Day 1: Winter skills revision and a simple Grade I/II climb. Reminder or intro. To snow/winter anchors .
Day 2: A Steeper Route. Using 2 tools, looking stance management, usually on a grade II/III climb.
Day 3: Another Climb! Either something harder (III/IV), something different (a gully if yesterday was a ridge, a mixed climb if the previous day was spent on ice) or the opportunity to lead an easier route with the instructor in close attendance.
Day 4: Yet Another Climb! Either a something harder (III/IV), something different (a gully if yesterday was a ridge, a mixed climb if the previous day was spent on ice) or the opportunity to lead an easier route with the instructor in close attendance.

What Next?

Private Guiding to improve your skills

Dates and Prices for Winter Climbing Courses.

Private Course Dates: Any date, as per your needs.

Off Peak Private Course Prices: January and March 1 Day 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days 5 Days
One person £150 £295 £435 £570 £700
Two people £170 £335 £495 £650 £800
Three people £190 £375 £555 £730 £900
Four people £210 £415 £615 £810 £1000
Five people £230 £455 £675 £890 £1100
Six people £250 £495 £735 £970 £1200
Peak Season Private Course Prices: February 1 Day 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days 5 Days
One person £165 £325 £480 £630 £775
Two people £185 £365 £540 £710 £875
Three people £205 £405 £600 £790 £975
Four people £225 £445 £660 £870 £1075
Five people £245 £485 £720 £950 £1175
Six people £265 £525 £780 £1030 £1275