top of page
IMG_8625.JPG
IMG_3618.JPG

Cairngorm Winter Climbing Course

Northern Cairngorms

4 out of 5: Difficult

3 Days

1:2 (Needs 2 to Run)

From £465

Course Overview

Build your skills and confidence with our Cairngorm Winter Climbing Course, set in the stunning Northern Cairngorms. This 3-day course, led by experienced Northwest Mountaineering instructors, focuses on climbing snow, ice, and mixed routes graded II to IV. Based in the reliable and accessible Northern Corries—Coire an t-Sneachda and Coire an Lochain—you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn and improve techniques in a mixture of conditions. Ideal for those with experience in winter walking, mountaineering or rock climbing, this course also introduces the fundamentals of lead climbing. If weather and conditions permit, we may venture west for a day to explore even more challenging routes. Whether you’re aiming to progress your climbing or simply explore the Cairngorms’ breathtaking winter climbing landscape, this course offers the perfect mix of exploring Scottish winter climbing and learning and developing new skills/ techniques.

WebIcons-02.png

Course Length

Our Cairngorm Winter Climbing course is 3 days. We offer bespoke courses and run these in the Northern Cairngorms from December until April. 

WebIcons-04.png

Cost

The course cost is £465 per person, with a minimum and maximum of 2 people required.​ Northwest Mountaineering also offers a private 1:1 Course at £870.

WebIcons-03.png

Experience Needed

This course is perfect for those with good fitness and experience in winter mountaineering, winter climbing, or rock climbing who are looking to advance to Scottish winter climbing with a focus on developing lead climbing skills.

WebIcons-01.png

When

Whenever suits you. We also schedule dates for our Cairngorm Winter Climbing Course

IMG_9604.JPG

  • Our Cairngorm Winter Climbing Course offers an exceptional climbing experience in the unique and challenging conditions of the Cairngorms.

     

    Led by experienced and qualified Northwest Mountaineering instructors, this course is based in the Northern Corries, such as Coire an t-Sneachda and Coire an Lochain—renowned for their reliability, accessibility, and variety of climbing routes. Over three days, you’ll develop essential skills for climbing snow, ice, and mixed routes, building your confidence and knowledge for safe and rewarding winter climbing adventures.

     

    Focusing on grades II to IV, this course also introduces the fundamentals of leading a Scottish winter climb, ensuring a comprehensive and thrilling Cairngorms climbing experience.

  • Outline of Areas Covered in the Three Days

    ​

    • Experience a variety of winter snow, ice, and mixed climbs in the Cairngorms, ranging from grades III to V

    • Recap essential skills for winter climbing, including safe approaches and movement with an ice axe and crampons

    • Learn how to adapt your summer rock climbing skills for winter conditions in the Cairngorms

    • Master snow and ice climbing techniques, such as swinging axes, torquing on mixed terrain, and climbing ice efficiently

    • Develop avalanche awareness and plan safe routes in winter environments

    • Understand how to read weather forecasts and their impact on winter climbing in the Cairngorms

    • Practice safe and efficient retreat techniques for winter climbs

    • Build confidence leading graded Scottish winter climbs under expert guidance

    ​

    Examples of possible winter climbing routes that we may climb on our Cairngorm Winter Climbing Course;

    ​

    The Northern Corries 

    (Stob Coire an t-Sneachda & Coire an Lochain)

    ​

    • Invernookie (Grade IV 5)

    • The Runnel (Grade II)

    • Fiacaill Couloir (II)

    • The Message (IV 6)

    • The Seam (IV 5)

    • Hidden Chimney (III)

    • Western Rib (III)

    • The Milky Way (III)

    • Y- Gully Right Branch (II)

    • Ewan Buttress (III)

    ​

    Other Possible Venues

    ​

    • Hell's Lum

    • Stag Rocks

    • Creagan Cha-no

    • Creag Meagaidh

    • Aonach Mòr

    • Ben Nevis

    ​

    The routes for the Cairngorm winter climbing course will be carefully chosen based on weather conditions, participant experience, and the instructor’s expertise. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to winter climbing, helping participants develop essential skills and build confidence in a supportive environment. Perfect for anyone looking to embark on their winter climbing journey, this course offers a balance of practical training and adventure.

    ​​

  • Our Cairngorm Winter Climbing Course maintains a low instructor-to-participant ratio of 1:2, ensuring maximum safety and personalised instruction. This focused approach allows you to experience and master the essential skills needed to navigate the challenging and rewarding Scottish winter climbing environment.

    ​

    The Cairngorms' winter conditions can be demanding, with strenuous hikes to higher summits often carrying heavy packs from lower altitudes. To get the most out of this course, we recommend participants have prior experience with winter mountain walking. This course is designed for climbers aged 18 and over who are ready to take on the unique challenges of winter climbing in the Cairngorms.

  • Winter 2024/ 2025

    ​

    Below is a list of dates for our Cairngorm Winter Climbing Course in the winter of 2024 - 2025. We also run bespoke dates (including midweek) if none of these work, so feel free to get in touch. 

     

    Prices are £465 per person for an open course with a maximum and minimum of 2 people required.​​

    ​

    A private course with a date to suit you is £870 for the 3 days

2025 Open Course Dates

​

bottom of page