1 Day Winter Skills Course, Cairngorms
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Learn Essential Winter Mountaineering Skills In Scotland
- Course name
- Location
- Cost
- Ratio:
- Duration
- 2027 Dates
- 1 Day Winter Skills Course
- Cairngorms, Scotland
- £140 per person
- 1:5
- 1 Day
- 16th Jan | 30th Jan | 7th Feb
Suitable for
- Hill walkers
- Scramblers
- Aspiring mountaineers
- Individuals preparing for winter mountain adventures
- People new to winter conditions
- Anyone looking to develop winter mountain skills
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Your First Day on Snow and Ice
This one-day course gives you the core skills to travel safely on snow and ice in the Cairngorms: fitting and using crampons, carrying and using an ice axe, self-arrest, and judging winter conditions. It’s ideal for fit hill walkers heading into the mountains for their first winter season.
Groups are small (maximum 1:5) and led by an MCI and Winter Mountain Leader. Want more time on the hill? The 2-day winter skills course adds winter navigation and a full mountain day.
Skills You'll Develop
Winter Movement Skills Learn efficient techniques for moving safely and confidently over snow-covered mountain terrain.
Crampon Techniques: Develop confidence fitting and using crampons while travelling on a variety of winter surfaces and gradients.
Ice Axe Skills: Learn how to carry, hold and use an ice axe correctly while moving through winter mountain terrain.
Self-Arrest Fundamentals Gain an introduction to self-arrest techniques and understand how an ice axe can be used to help stop a slip on snow slopes.
Winter Equipment & Safety: Understand the equipment required for winter mountain travel and learn how to recognise and manage common winter hazards.
Why Take A Winter Skills Course?
The skills required for safe winter mountain travel are very different from those used during summer hill walking.
Learning how to use winter equipment correctly and understanding how snow and ice affect mountain terrain can dramatically increase both safety and enjoyment in the mountains.
This course provides an excellent introduction to winter mountaineering and establishes the foundations required for future winter adventures in Scotland and beyond.
Whether your goal is winter hill walking, mountaineering or alpine climbing, developing strong winter skills is an important first step.
A Typical Day
A Typical Day
The course is delivered on suitable terrain within the Scottish Highlands and focuses on practical learning throughout the day.
Topics may include:
- Winter equipment
- Crampon fitting and use
- Ice axe techniques
- Winter movement skills
- Self-arrest practice
- Route choice
- Winter hazards
- Mountain decision making
The exact venue and content will vary depending on weather, conditions and group experience.
Scottish winter skills
Why Choose North West Mountain Guides?
Led by Jack Oliver, a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI) and Winter Mountain Leader. The day is spent practising on real winter terrain, with clear coaching and time for everyone to build confidence.
