Winter Mountaineering Course Scotland

Winter Mountaineering Course Scotland


From £725
Grade: Intermediate
3 -5 mountain days

This Winter Mountaineering Course is ideal for those who have previously completed a Winter Skills Course or Introductory Winter Mountaineering Course and want to take the next step to progress to climb graded Scottish routes.

Winter Mountaineering Course Scotland (Level 2 Intermediate)

This Winter Mountaineering Course incorporates a revision of general winter mountaineering skills before progressing onto climbing graded I and II Scottish routes. You will learn winter skills, the essential rope and belay for climbing pitched winter routes and ascend some classic grade I and II gullies and ridges. It is ideal preparation to join an overseas expedition graded 2 or 3 such as: Bolivian Peaks, Tien Shan Peaks, Kyajo Ri, Peak Lenin, Himlung Himal, Baruntse

Previous experience:

For the Winter Mountaineering Course, you should have used crampons and ice axe before, hold a good level of fitness and summer mountain walking experience with the ability to enjoy good long summer mountain walks (7-8hrs) with a minimum of 3500ft / 1200m of ascent over a mixture of terrain including broken rocky ground in ascent and decent. A basic understanding of belaying would be useful but is not essential eg from a climbing wall.

Winter mountaineering level 2 - Outline Itinerary

The exact programme will operate according to weather conditions and the progress of the group, but typically on a 6 -day course (5 mountain days) we would aim to cover:

  • Winter Equipment & Clothing
  • Use of ice axe and crampons including ice axe arrest
  • Ropework, snow and ice anchors and belaying
  • Snow and ice climbing skills
  • Climb Classic grade I/II gullies and ridges
  • Basic winter mountain navigation and route planning
  • Winter weather and avalanche avoidance
  • Optional session on Crevasse Rescue
  • Optional session on using fixed lines

Day 1: The course begins at 8pm on the first evening with a course briefing and the essentials for clothing and equipment. After the course briefing, we will check your personal kit and issue you with any hire kit required.

Day 2: The first mountain day will revise your skills to move safely and efficiently on snow covered terrain with crampons and ice axe including ice axe arrest. We will then introduce the rope to explore appropriate ropework, snow anchors and belay techniques that are required when moving onto steeper terrain.

Day 3: A general winter mountaineering day (grade 1) over one or more Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000ft) to practice skills.

Day 4: Today we will venture onto steeper and more exposed graded I/II ground to enjoy steeper climbs. We will explore the use of fixed lines and basic crevasse rescue techniques.

Day 5-6 (for those doing the longer course): Climbing on steeper pitched routes grade II climb bringing together the weeks skills.

You can extend your stay with Private Guiding. This course also allows future progression onto an Introductory Snow & Ice Climbing Course (Level 3) to climb more grade II and III snow & ice routes on

Typical Days:

may include ascents such as:

  • Ben Nevis via Number 4 Gully (Grade 1)
  • Ben Nevis via Ledges Route (Grade II)
  • Stob Coire Nan Lochan Dorsal Arete (Grade II) or NC Gully (Grade II)
  • Buchaille Etive Mor Curved Ridge (Grade II)

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified that your course is confirmed to run.

Accommodation is booked from the night of your arrival with instruction starting the following morning. Check out is normally the morning of your final day unless you have booked an additional night. This is booked on a twin or double room basis: however single rooms will be provided where there is not a member of the same sex to share with. Single rooms and additional nights can be requested at an extra cost.

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Dates & Prices

Show prices in
All prices in Euros are guide rates, not live rates
All prices in US Dollars are guide rates, not live rates

Availability

DatesAvailabilityDays Price Select
3rd Jan 2025 - 6th Jan 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
3rd Jan 2025 - 8th Jan 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
10th Jan 2025 - 13th Jan 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
10th Jan 2025 - 15th Jan 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
17th Jan 2025 - 20th Jan 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
17th Jan 2025 - 22nd Jan 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
24th Jan 2025 - 27th Jan 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
24th Jan 2025 - 29th Jan 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
31st Jan 2025 - 3rd Feb 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
31st Jan 2025 - 5th Feb 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
7th Feb 2025 - 10th Feb 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
7th Feb 2025 - 12th Feb 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
14th Feb 2025 - 17th Feb 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
14th Feb 2025 - 19th Feb 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
21st Feb 2025 - 24th Feb 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
21st Feb 2025 - 26th Feb 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
28th Feb 2025 - 3rd Mar 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
28th Feb 2025 - 5th Mar 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
7th Mar 2025 - 10th Mar 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
7th Mar 2025 - 12th Mar 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
14th Mar 2025 - 17th Mar 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
14th Mar 2025 - 19th Mar 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now
21st Mar 2025 - 24th Mar 2025 Spaces4 £725 Book Now
21st Mar 2025 - 26th Mar 2025 Spaces6 £1,210 Book Now

* A deposit of £150 will be required at checkout.

Extras

Extras can be added per-person when you book onto a date

ItemPrice
Single room supplement during course 3 nights - £50 per night £150
Single room Supplement during course 5 nights - £50 per night £250
1 Extra night B&B - £80 per night on a single basis £80
1 Extra night B&B - per night per person (on a twin basis) £52
1 Extra night DB&B - per night per person (on a twin basis) £77

* A deposit of £200 (or the full extra price, whichever is lower) will be required at checkout for each extra added per-person on this trip

What's Included

  • Instruction
  • Four nights full board accommodation with evening meals & packed lunches, starting with breakfast on the first morning through to packed lunch on the day of departure. Bar meals can be purchased until 8.30pm on the day of your arrival
  • Ropes and technical equipment (excluding personal kit such as harness/crampons, ice axe, and helmet)
  • 15% off the RRP of clothing and equipment purchases from The Expedition Shop

What's Excluded

  • Travel to Scotland
  • Evening meal on arrival and drinks
  • Personal equipment including ice axe, crampons, helmet and harness
  • Uplift by cable car on Aonach Mor or the White Corries
  • Entry to the ice wall at the Ice Factor in the event of severe weather
  • Hire equipment (Personal kit such as harness/crampons, ice axe, and helmet)

Reviews

Kiran · 4 years ago ·

All the instructors were extremely good (Tom Sylvester, Chris Harling and Julie Baum). I spent most time with Tom Sylvester who was excellent in all his instruction. Very knowledgeable, clear, patient, and organised as well as being good humoured and excellent company throughout the whole course. He listened carefully to my objectives and made sure they were well covered and practised. Learnt a lot and really enjoyed it...learning from good instructors in epic scenery.

Lars · 4 years ago ·

Perfect and competent instructors, nice tours and very flexible in the daily planning. Each day was different, you learned new stuff, explored other areas, increased the difficulty. Overall a great week. Amazing people, professional instructors! What is there more to say? I enjoyed every minute with them on the mountains and can just say: "Keep on going the way you do it!"

Zach · 4 years ago ·

Great instructor, kept us safe, and lovely accommodation. [The highlight was] climbing/hiking up a ridge during crazy Scottish weather and rock climbing/dry tooling that slab!

Ron · 4 years ago ·

Thoroughly enjoyed it, despite very testing conditions. Tom [our instructor] was really encouraging, helpful and pushed us on. Learnt so much. Really enjoyed the abseiling and climbing rockface using crampons. Amazed by the ability to climb in those things.

Jonathan · 4 years ago ·

We had a good variety of terrain and weathers! - and thanks to Andy and Chris for taking care of us during the blizzard on Ben Nevis :) They were both very helpful - thank you - see you again for another course in the future :) The highlight was School House Ridge in the snow.

Jonathan · 4 years ago ·

Really impressively well organised and run, the instructor Chris Harling was great and I got three really good days covering a lot of aspects and was really confidence inspiring.

Gavin · 4 years ago ·

Had a great weekend, fantastic, from booking to departure. Very well organised. Course instructors were professional and knowledgeable.

Jon · 5 years ago ·

I had a fantastic weekend which was extremely educational along with some unexpected extra skills learned. The awesome instructors were very experienced and both great guys who were happy to discuss and explain pretty much everything.

Martin · 5 years ago ·

Fantastic weekend had by all the group...roping up and heading up Ben Nevis with crampons and ice axe - felt like Ranulph Fiennes!

Steve · 5 years ago ·

Really enjoyed the weekend, guides did a great job and asked us what we wanted to do, kept us safe, taught us new skills and took us on awesome routes (weather was pretty fantastic too). Hotel was welcoming and comfortable with good food and easy going atmosphere, in a great location. Guides, but especially Phil, were first class, whilst they got their point over and checked for understanding and watched our moves after, they also made it fun. [The room had] a great shower and fantastic view, good tea/coffee making facilities in the room. Highlight was the ledge route up to Ben Nevis - awesome. Many thanks

Liam · 5 years ago ·

Phil, Dave & Robin were great instructors who provide a great course at the right level in challenging environments for us to learn the required skills...everything was great. The explanations and demonstrations were informative and interactive pitched at the right level for our group. The whole three days were fantastic! The progression of skills and technical explanations gave the maximum fun, safety and practical application in a beautiful environment.

Dave · 5 years ago ·

Info before course was very comprehensive and course content was excellent

Anon · 5 years ago ·

The guides Chris and Rob were absolutely brilliant and are the reason I will be using Adventure Peaks again.

Tim · 5 years ago ·

Ticked every box. The instructors were fantastic. Food in the hotel was good. I spent most of my time with Rob (instructor), very patient and knowledge is exceptional - exactly what you'd expect from a man who has climbed Everest and K2. Couldn't have asked for more, loved every minute of it...the highlight had to be climbing up small cliff shoulders while moving together on the third day. Looking back up at what we had climbed when we got to the bottom was quite surreal.

Jonathan · 5 years ago ·

Brilliantly run courses. Great instructors. Well balanced. Good fun. Great pre-course information and communication. Experienced instructors who knew their subject well and also made the course fun. In spite of the challenging weather the course was able to be adapted so we got a lot out of each day.

Fabian · 5 years ago ·

Excellent, skilled instructors. Very good alternative program - due to missing winter conditions the course plan was adapted and more shifted to scrambling and rock climbing, which perfectly fitted our group. Instructors were very flexible and took our existing skills into account. Very fun and humorous overall atmosphere. [There was] a focus on development of new skills and self reliance for each person. The alternative grade III rock scramble on the Northern Buttress of Buchaille Etive Mor and the trad climbing in Glen Nevis were an excellent adaptation of the course due to missing winter conditions!

Joe · 5 years ago ·

The instructors were great, especially considering the conditions (complete lack of snow) and the mixed ability of the group. Very helpful and knowledgeable, really friendly. Really good and informative weekend.

Anon · 5 years ago ·

Friendly and experienced instructors. The course was adapted to suit our needs and experience level.

Loz · 5 years ago ·

Have had consistently good experiences with Adventure Peaks. For the Scottish course, our guide Clive was very experienced, patient and helpful showing us techniques that will be important for Denali. The ice climbing and then reaching the summit on the second day [was] utterly beautiful, a good challenge, and quite scary at times!

Anon · 5 years ago ·

There are many reasons why I gave high scores, however, the main reason is because of the professionalism and willingness of the instructors. Although extremely warm conditions for Scotland in February, the instructors, particularly Chris, used their extensive knowledge to choose appropriate venues for a progressive yet exciting and enjoyable course. Chris would often offer his time in the evenings for additional training. As well as providing an excellent course of instruction, Chris also provides in-depth knowledge of other Adventure Peaks courses and expeditions, and suggesting suitable and appropriate pathways to progress onto their desired goals. I cannot thank Chris and the rest of the team enough for the course that they delivered. Every day was extremely enjoyable. I was particularly impressed with how progressive the course was. Each day progressed to slightly more challenging terrain, whilst continuing to learn and consolidate skills.

George · 5 years ago ·

Fantastic guides

Jez · 5 years ago ·

First rate instructors who provided a great course despite challenging weather conditions. Good comprehensive information. Chris (the instructor) clearly has huge experience and this was invaluable in determining the program through the three days. He was also great with my 14 year old son Jack.

Agathe · 5 years ago ·

Good rental gear. Very kind and professional instructors...Chris was officially my instructor but I got to trek with Dave as well. They were both very kind and patient. They made us feel comfortable and at ease. I couldn't have imagined better instructors to discover mountaineering. John was with us a few times as well and he was very kind and helpful as well. Wish I had stayed longer.

Bob · 5 years ago ·

Great course. Really intense, learned a lot. [Highlight was] scaling a ridge in 40 mph winds and then navigating with 5 m visibility. Instructor was really knowledgeable.

Dan G · 5 years ago ·

Considering the weather was less than ideal, the instructors were amazing at adapting the course to suit that. Clive was amazing at managing things in the hotel, very informative and organised and let us know exactly what would be happening and got us involved in the decisions as to what to do where appropriate. The instructors were excellent at passing on their knowledge, experience and advice not to mention their friendly and suitably informal approach to the teaching. We never felt rushed or made to feel inadequate. I would also like to give a special mention to John's encyclopedic knowledge, which kept us all very entertained!
If there was one thing that made the experience exceptional it was the people involved.
The highlight for me was the first actual climb up Gully 3 of Ben Nevis, on my own it would have looked impossible but after the couple of days of instruction and guidance from the excellent leaders it felt almost easy!

Jason · 5 years ago ·

Instructor Andy was excellent. I spent less time with Ian and Bryan but they were both great too. Great to work with and very knowledgeable.

Bill M · 5 years ago ·

Mountain leaders were excellent and accommodation convenient. The course built up skills and confidence needed for a great day's winter mountaineering in Glencoe.

Andrew S · 5 years ago ·

Great instruction...[the instructor] assessed our ability well so it got to our level, then pushed a bit. Exactly what we wanted. Really appreciated where I was and what I was doing with the stunning views.

Lee R · 6 years ago ·

Ease of booking, knowledge of staff in the shop but mainly skill/ability/professionalism of instructor...excellent communication and correspendence. [The instructor was] patient, flexible and confidence inspiring.
Course Highlight - ledge route on Ben Nevis
Best Experience - ledge route on Ben Nevis
Scariest Experience - ledge route on Ben Nevis
Worst Experience - ledge route on Ben Nevis

Fin · 6 years ago ·

The big climbs were amazing. Had an awesome course...an excellent guide in David Fisher...all very informative.

Derek · 6 years ago ·

Had a great time, could not really fault the guides' instruction or the accommodation. Guides were knowledgeable and we were on the mountain in safe hands

Dominika · 6 years ago ·

My confidence in basic winter mountaineering increased a lot more than I thought it would over the three day course and I learned much more than I had expected to. Dave was a thoughtful and considerate leader and made sure that we were challenged (at just the right level), resulting in all of us feeling much more confident in the mountains. He was particularly skilled at taking things 'step by step' and fine tuning the course as we went along, meaning that all participants could get the most out of it. He was also great company, thus resulting in many laughs along the way.

Anon · 6 years ago ·

Both Andy and Chris were great instructors who took the time to teach us as much as possible. The course was both educational and great fun. They weren't afraid to push us but made sure we always felt safe and understood what we were doing and why at any given time. They were happy to explain things on an individual level or as a group, whatever was required at the time and show great patience if we were struggling with anything. Both the guys have a fantastic understanding of the different ways that people learn and would tailor the training to suit so that everyone understood. They gave everyone in the group a chance to practise all the skills, not just those who were the best at it. I learned so much from these guys in the space of a week that I don't think I could do it justice here. They are both a credit to their profession. The highlight for me was climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route on the last day. I'm afraid of heights and wouldn't have ever been able to do this normally, but the training and guidance the guys gave me for the week meant I understood the climb and trusted the safety gear and procedures, and it was probably one of the most enjoyable mountain days out that I have ever had.

Mick C · 6 years ago ·

Great course, exceeded my expectations. Great instructor, knowledgeable, calm and patient. David adapted the course to cover everyone's ability and goals

Jennifer · 6 years ago ·

Adventure Peak guides are absolutely fantastic, in particular Chris Harling. We were very impressed with him on our 1:2 day...our experience was great and would recommend the company...we had such a fantastic trip. All aspects met our expectations, the weather was perfect to give an all rounded experience and we were really pushed to the limits of what we wanted to get out of the course. Adventure Peaks have some phenomenally experienced, top guides and we cannot wait to climb our next mountain.

James · 6 years ago ·

[Course instructor was] really cool, calming, giving confidence when it's needed...hotel is generally brilliant. Love the dog...the service is brilliant

Dawn · 6 years ago ·

Fantastic weekend and experience. Really enjoyed the tuition and skills practice, particularly enjoyed the challenge of the final day on schoolhouse ridge and learnt a lot through the experience! Great course, would highly recommend it. Tired, sore and happy! [Course instructor was] very knowledgeable and experienced, good sense of humour. Was really helpful and provided support. Great location, friendly hotel and staff very attentive.

Matt · 6 years ago ·

Great intro to mountaineering...really enjoyed the skills training and putting some of them to use on the final day

George R · 6 years ago ·

Really enjoyed course, our guides Andy and Ken were fantastic.

Chris B · 6 years ago ·

I got more out of it than I dared hope, met group of very good people...[the course instructor] got me through the third day when I was very scared, very supportive and great company, the in-depth experience they have shines through.

Nakul · 8 years ago ·

3 words describe this course: Excellent Excellent Excellent!!!
I chose Adventure Peaks as I'm preparing for Denali and they provided the best information & experience. Andy was particularly good, I learnt a great deal from him.

Sam · 8 years ago ·

We couldn't have hoped for a better instructor. Rob tailored the course to our needs and made the weekend fun and challenging. We all learned a lot.

Julian, Yulia and Tina · 8 years ago ·

We came as a group of three with different levels of skills and confidence on the mountains and we all took away a lot and enjoyed the course despite the dreadful weather! Our guide Dave was brilliant and not just technically and a good company but also a great judge of character in terms of just how much he could push us as a group. Dave also made a point of tailoring the course to meet our (diverse!) learning needs and abilities. A tiny request to perhaps keep a closer eye on those with more nerves but overall we all had a blast!
We were also impressed by how all other aspects of the course were handled from helping us to choose the right course to dealing with minor logistical issues. Everyone we dealt with at Adventure Peaks was professional and helpful. Thank you lots!
We are also signed up – or thinking about signing up – for a full expedition with Adventure Peaks. Yay!

Anne · 8 years ago ·

The guide was very experienced in the mountains so was confident in him and we chose Adventure Peaks as my son Euan researched it online and attracted to the raft of expeditions on offer.

Pleased to see the course went ahead on the mountains despite the foul weather. You take 16 years olds - hurrah!!

Jacob · 8 years ago ·

Perhaps the program might have had more detail and variety in the packed lunch, overall the course was brilliant and fulfilled my expectations!! I chose Adventure Peaks because it was so easy to find you and the variety of courses.

The training on the first day in preparation for the second worked really well as we could put our skills to practice.

Nick · 8 years ago ·

Really enjoyed the course. Tough but rewarding!. Mark was a superb instructor and is easy to get on with obviously very accomplished. We really enjoyed the course, although the conditions were difficult. Mark was excellent and supportive, but pushed hard enough when required. I enjoyed the technical skills training and the short abseil! Would recommend this course.


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