Instructor to client ratio 1:4 maximum.
These courses are aimed at those with some winter walking experience who would like some further training in winter mountaineering skills perhaps with a view to moving onto steeper ground.
For those looking to a good introduction to Winter Mountaineering skills we offer a 2 day course. If you would like a more in depth course it is possible to book a private instructor or to extend your 2 day course on a private basis.
These courses are aimed at moving you further down the road towards becoming independent winter mountaineers. The decision as to whether teaching takes place on graded ground or merely steep terrain will be based on the Instructor’s Assessment of the Group’s experience, conditions and the number of people in the party.
Day 1: Gully day. There will be a component of refreshing basic winter skills on this day and then the attention turns to rope skills necessary to tackle simple snow gullies. Including the assessment of snow conditions, placing snow and Ice anchors, rigging belays and stance management.
Day 2: Ridge day. Rope skills for ridges and buttresses. Including running belays, rock anchors, and stance management.
Day 3: Mountain day. A further skills teaching day or guided day on a longer or harder route.
Day 4: Client led day. Clients put their new tools into practise as part of a mountain day on a mountaineering route of suitable length with the instructor in close attendance acting as advisor/giving further coaching.
Minimum Numbers 2 pax to make a course viable
Our Open Courses run most weekends from January to early March. Please contact us for availability.
£80pp per day
Any date, as per your needs
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.
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.
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 at 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 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.
Private Course Dates: Any date, as per your needs.
